Ireland significantly reduces support for Ukrainian refugees.
When it comes to housing Ukrainian refugees in comparison to its own population, Ireland stands out as having one of the highest quotas. However, the issue of providing accommodation for these refugees is a controversial one. The Irish government is now reducing the weekly payments for Ukrainians residing in state-funded housing by a substantial amount.
Beginning in August, weekly payments for Ukrainian refugees staying in state-provided accommodation, such as hotels and guesthouses, will be reduced from 220 euros to 38.80 euros. As stated by the government, this move is meant to align Irish practices with those of other European countries. Of the approximately 100,000 Ukrainians who sought refuge in Ireland since the Russian invasion, around 19,000 will still receive 220 euros per week.
This topic has become a serious political concern in Ireland, as the country grapples with finding adequate housing for both the refugees and the increasing number of asylum seekers. With a population of 5.3 million, Ireland has one of the highest proportions of Ukrainian refugees.
Tom McEnaney, founder of the humanitarian organization Effective Aid Ukraine, spoke out against these cuts. He explained that this change will greatly impact older people and mothers who are unable to obtain employment due to the responsibility of caring for their children. "The response of the Irish people has been extremely compassionate, and the response of the Irish administration has also been noteworthy, but this cut contradicts that generosity," McEnaney said to the national broadcaster RTE.
"We are moving from generosity to frugality and cold-heartedness, and I believe that is particularly at odds with how the typical Irish person feels about Ukrainians who are left with no choice but to flee the ongoing war," he furthered. Statistics from the Central Bureau indicate that as many as 23,000 of those who initially arrived from Ukraine have since returned to their home country.
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Source: www.ntv.de
