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Arrangements for Ukrainians to change next year

The Government has announced changes that will affect people from Ukraine who arrive in Ireland seeking temporary protection.

It says that the changes bring Ireland more into line with the approach taken in other European countries.

Under the new rules, newly arriving Ukrainians who seek State accommodation will be provided with accommodation for a maximum of 90 days, during which time they will also receive reduced social-protection payments.

Those availing of temporary protection will now be entitled to a reduced daily allowance of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child, so long as they remain in an arrival centre. They currently receive €220 a week.

Ireland’s offering ‘at higher level’

The Government says that more than 101,000 Ukrainians have come to Ireland, with 74,500 people currently living in State accommodation, and 57,000 in fully serviced accommodation. More than 16,000 are currently in employment.

“These changes are required to ensure that Ireland can continue to meet its obligations to help beneficiaries of temporary protection, given the impact on available accommodation, and assuming that Ireland continues to welcome around 500 arrivals weekly,” a Government statement. said.

The Government said that an analysis of financial assistance and accommodation conducted by the Department of Integration had shown that Ireland’s offering was “set at a higher level” than most other EU member states.

It added that there was evidence of secondary movement to Ireland from other countries.

Maximum of 90 days

Accommodation at arrival centres will be available per person for a maximum of 90 days, after which people will have to find their own accommodation or avail of pledged accommodation.

“When they leave the arrival-centre accommodation, beneficiaries of temporary protection will be entitled to apply for standard social-protection assistance, subject to meeting the standard eligibility conditions,” the Government said.

People who make independent arrangements or opt for pledged accommodation on arrival will be entitled to apply for standard social protection, also subject to meeting the standard eligibility conditions.

The changes will come into effect early in 2024, and there will be no change for those currently in State accommodation.