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Social Welfare Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022

Thursday, 10 March 2022

Ceisteanna (325)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

325. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position for some older persons living on their own who have a spare room and who would be happy to consider taking a refugee from Ukraine into their homes but who are fearful that they would lose their social welfare and medical entitlements, for example, the fuel allowance and medical card; if an urgent public reassurance can be issued for such persons who want to assist Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13742/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government's thoughts are with the innocent people of Ukraine in their most difficult hour, and we stand with them. Ireland and the European Union have the responsibility to do all we can to help Ukraine and its people, and this Government will not be found wanting in offering them the humanitarian support they will need.

The European Union has put in place a temporary protection Directive to allow Ukrainian citizens and others fleeing Ukraine to move through the EU akin to EU citizens. This Department will provide support and services to assist people covered by this Directive who are fleeing Ukraine and who arrive in Ireland.

In relation to Fuel Allowance specifically, which is a Household based payment and subject to household composition rules, it is expected that in the majority of cases people fleeing Ukraine who arrive in Ireland will qualify initially for assistance type income supports such as Supplementary Welfare Allowance. Such qualification would not affect an already qualified household's entitlement to fuel allowance and so people, as described by the Deputy, can be assured that their situation in respect of fuel allowance would not change in these circumstances.

Obviously, further subsequent changes in the household composition or the position of such refugees in relation to employment and/or receipt of other social protection supports may affect entitlement and would need to be kept under review on a case by case basis.

While the fuel allowance scheme is non-statutory scheme and not governed by legislation, in most cases, the qualifying conditions for Departmental schemes are outlined in legislation and decisions on these schemes must be guided by the relevant legislation. Any decision to amend the qualifying conditions will have to be supported by changes to the relevant legislation.

The situation with regards to people fleeing Ukraine and arriving in Ireland is evolving and the Government will, of course, keep all aspects of the Department's various schemes under review to ensure that this cohort of people receive the supports and services they require.

Matters in relation to the Medical Card are the responsibility of the Minister for Health.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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