Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
599. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who is in receipt of a living alone allowance will have the allowance protected if they take in refugees under the Irish Red Cross scheme proposed by Government for refugees from the Ukrainian conflict. [14214/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra613. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if a single person who is in receipt of the living alone increase, the fuel allowance and a household benefit package will be able to keep these entitlements if they decide to take in a Ukrainian refugee family into their home (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14418/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra620. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons availing of the living alone allowance can retain that allowance if they provide accommodation to refugees fleeing Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14535/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra634. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons who are in receipt of the living alone allowance will lose the allowance if they were to accept Ukrainian refugees into their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14796/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 599, 613, 620 and 634 together.
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. As the situation is evolving, 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.
Where a person in receipt of social welfare income supports (such as fuel allowance or the living alone allowance) provides accommodation in their home to a person fleeing Ukraine, the Department is developing the necessary changes to regulations or guidelines to ensure that providing such accommodation does not impact on the person’s existing social welfare entitlements. Any necessary regulatory or other changes in this regard will be finalised shortly.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
