Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1141. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps that she is taking to ensure that Ukrainian refugees have access to social protection supports upon their arrival in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30556/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Temporary Protection Directive implemented in March, people fleeing the war in Ukraine have been granted the status to avail of the supports and services, including income supports and employment services, provided by my Department. This means that these citizens can work in Ireland and can access social services and the full range of social welfare supports.
A reception facility is operating at City West Convention Centre where officials from the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are available to meet arrivals from Ukraine. This centre is open 7 days a week. People who arrive through Dublin Airport are being transferred to City West.
Anyone who does not arrive through Dublin Airport can call in to the Department’s dedicated City Centre Ukraine Support Centres, located in Dublin, Cork and Limerick, or into local Intreo Centres or Branch Offices where staff will help them to apply for a PPSN and income supports.
A fast-track approach in processing these supports is in place which includes a simplified decision-making process for income supports and quick processing of PPSNs to allow access to public services that will be provided to them.
A dedicated section on www.jobsireland.ie has been developed to provide information on employment opportunities for newly arrived Ukrainians. This is available in Ukrainian and Russian.
Intreo staff are also attending information events organised by Education and Training Boards, Local Development Companies and Chambers of Commerce at which they provided information on the full range of income and employment support services.
Since mid-April the Department of Social Protection has been organising employment support engagement events for people fleeing the war to gather information on their education and skills and to provide information on vacancies and jobs. These events are taking place in locations throughout the country in accommodation centres and in Intreo Offices. These events will continue over the coming weeks.
Up to and including Friday 10th June, 9,083 persons have attended these events which are being organised specifically for people who have arrived from Ukraine. The full range of Intreo employment services is also available to Ukrainians.
The Department is also working closely with education and training boards to facilitate access to relevant training supports, including English language training.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
