The Irish government is considering reducing the accommodation period for newly arrived Ukrainian refugees in state-provided housing from 90 to 30 days. The move comes amid concerns about the growing strain on the accommodation system, as approximately 50 people currently require housing each day for the standard three-month period. If the current pace continues, all available places may be exhausted by the end of this month, reports Baltimore Chronicle, citing Ireland’s public broadcaster RTÉ.
Officials have also agreed to introduce weekly financial contributions for refugees who have found employment while living in government-provided housing. The measure is intended to help offset state expenses for accommodation and support.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan described the proposal to charge rent to those employed and living in IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Service) centers as “reasonable.” The government is reportedly considering weekly payments ranging from €15 to €238, depending on income levels.
Implementation of the new system is expected to take between nine and twelve months. In the meantime, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State Colm Brophy are working on mechanisms to bring the proposal into effect. Before final approval, the plan will be reviewed by government party leaders and the Cabinet.
According to Ireland’s Department of Justice, more than 120,000 Ukrainians have received temporary protection in the country since February 2022. Around 83,000 of them continue to reside there. Moreover, at least 50 Ukrainians arrive in Ireland every day, following Kyiv’s recent decision to allow men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country.
Earlier we wrote that Four Bulgarians Convicted in Paris Over Holocaust Memorial “Red Hands” Vandalism.
