Holly Cairns
Ceist:330. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the payments, benefits and other supports issued by his Department to which Ukrainian refugees are entitled. [19222/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 April 2022
Ceisteanna (330)
Freagraí scríofa
The European Union has activated the Temporary Protection Directive, as an emergency provision in response to the War in Ukraine. The Directive which is effective from 24 February 2022, allows Ukrainian citizens and others fleeing Ukraine to move through the EU and receive supports.
Reception facilities have been established at Dublin Airport and Rosslare Europort, where officials from my Department, together with the Departments of Justice, and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, are available to meet arrivals from Ukraine and provide the relevant information and supports. Furthermore, dedicated City Centre Ukraine Support Centres have also been established in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
Officials from the Department of Justice provide those from Ukraine, who are seeking temporary protection, with permission letters to confirm their legal entitlement to reside in Ireland for 1 year which may be further extended. Those requiring accommodation are referred to the International Protection Accommodation Service of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. This can also be requested at a later stage if required.
Unaccompanied children under 18 years who are seeking temporary protection from the war in Ukraine will be referred to the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) for relevant supports.
My Department’s main aim is to provide immediate financial assistance. To achieve this, a fast-track approach is in operation. As personal public service numbers (PPSN) are required to access social welfare supports, they are provided on site or arrivals from Ukraine are invited to call into their nearest Intreo or local social welfare office to apply for PPSN and other social welfare supports. As of Monday 4 April my Department has allocated over 18,300 PPSNs.
The priority is to make emergency payments initially and therefore basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) is paid at rates up to €206 per week with increases for adult and child dependents. Urgent and Exceptional Needs payments will also be available through the Community Welfare Service where urgent financial assistance is required. To 4 April my Department has processed 8,930 basic SWA claims.
Once the initial payments are in place, customers will be transferred to the appropriate social welfare payment as quickly as possible. This could include disability payments, State Pension and Jobseekers payments. Any ancillary supports will also be available such as free travel for those who will receive a State Pension.
Child Benefit is also paid to a parent or guardian for each child aged under 16 years. The rate of payment is €140 a month for each child. Child Benefit can also be paid for children aged 16 and 17 if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have additional needs and cannot support themselves. The parent or guardian will not be expected to provide evidence of training or education until after the first 2 months after they have arrived in Ireland. As of 4 April 3,637 Child Benefit claims have been awarded in respect of 5,512 children.
Furthermore, all the services and supports of my Department’s Public Employment Service will be made available to people which includes our Activation Service and Case Officer support.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy at this time,