Ireland significantly reduces financial support for Ukrainian refugees.
Ireland is known for having a large number of Ukrainian refugees in comparison to its own population. The Irish government is facing controversy as they're now drastically reducing the weekly payments for these individuals who live in state-sponsored accommodation.
Beginning in August, the weekly payment for Ukrainian refugees living in government-provided housing such as hotels or guesthouses will be reduced from €220 to €38.80. This change is meant to align the Irish system with other European nations. Around 20,000 of the nearly 100,000 Ukrainians who have fled to Ireland since the Russian invasion reside in state-funded housing. Meanwhile, the around 19,000 Ukrainians living in homes provided or promised by citizens will continue to receive the higher rate of €220.
There's been growing concern over the housing of refugees and the rising number of asylum seekers in Ireland, which has a population of only 5.3 million. The country has been struggling to provide adequate housing for some time now. The high number of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland has become a major political concern.
A charitable organization that aids Ukrainian refugees expressed disapproval of the changes. The organization's founder, Tom McEnaney from Effective Aid Ukraine, told national broadcaster RTE that this move undermines the Irish people's generosity and kindness. He indicated that vulnerable people like elderly individuals and mothers who are unable to work because they're caring for their children are being particularly affected by this reduction. "Irish people have been extremely generous toward Ukrainians forced to leave their homes due to the war. This recent cut goes against that generosity and portrays the government as cold and heartless," McEnaney stated.
According to Irish Central Statistics Bureau, approximately 23,000 who came from Ukraine have already left the country.
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The reduction in financial support for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland has sparked criticism, with some viewing it as a stark contrast to the nation's initial generosity towards displaced individuals from the Attack on Ukraine. Despite many Ukrainian refugees living in apartments provided by Irish citizens, the decrease in weekly payments for those residing in state-funded housing, such as hotels and guest houses, has raised concerns about utility program funding for vulnerable individuals like elderly persons and mothers.
Source: www.ntv.de
