Calls for clarity of fairness of Ukrainian payments

Labour leader Ivana Bacik has expressed concern at the plan to cut payments to Ukrainian refugees, claiming such a policy could amount to targeting of older people and women with children.

She called for "clarity" that the new Goverment policy will be fair.

Ukrainian refugees who came to Ireland in 2022 and 2023, and who are in State-provided accommodation, will have their payments cut from €232 a week to €38.80, in a memo at Cabinet.

Ms Bacik also said the announcement of a review of payments to International Protection applicants appeared to coincide with the upcoming European and Local elections.

The founder of Effective Aid Ukraine also said the decision is unfair and lacking in compassion.

Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, Tom McEnaney said the move will adversely affect elderly Ukrainians, women and children.

He said that 18,000 children are likely to be badly affected by this change.

The Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland has said she is "concerned" about proposed changes to welfare rates for some refugees from the war-torn country now living in Ireland.

Yesterday, ministers signed off on the plan that will see around 27,000 Ukrainian refugees who benefit from temporary protection receiving reduced payments within three months.

In a statement, Ambassador Larysa Gerasko said: "I am still waiting for a meeting with the Government representative in order to get more clarification on a new changes. But I am concerned.

"We hope that it will take into account the interests of the vulnerable categories such as elderly, children, people with a special needs, women with a small kids - they have difficulties in finding jobs.

"I am concerned that significant changes in the welfare they get would force them to go back to Ukraine amid deteriorating security situation in Ukraine and ongoing Russia's offensive attack".