Slashes to welfare payments for Ukrainian refugees sparks 'concern' from Ukrainian Ambassador

Plans to cut the social welfare payments of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland has sparked concern from the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko.

Payments will be cut significantly from €232 a week to just €38.80 to those who have temporary protection status receiving the same payments, regardless of when they first arrived in Ireland.

More than 100,000 Ukrainians have come to Ireland since the Russian invasion in March 2022.

Ambassador Larysa Gerasko said,

"I am still waiting for a meeting with the Government representative in order to get more clarification on 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 special needs, women with 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 the Ukraine amid deteriorating security situation in Ukraine and ongoing Russia's offensive attack."

The cut in payments will apply to Ukrainian refugees who do not work in Ireland and live in State accommodation.

In December of last year, Cabinet agreed to reduce welfare rates and limit State accommodation for new arrivals coming from Ukraine to a maximum of 90 days.

The Government has defended its decision saying it is important that the State ensures the overall migrant system remains sustainable.

Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath said inconsistencies of payments to refugees cannot continue and that the change is necessary to ensure everyone is treated fairly.

"We have a situation where people who arrived since March are in a very different system and getting a very different level of support.

"So the change that was decided yesterday by Cabinet relates to people who came from Ukraine prior to the change in March, who were in state supported and serviced accommodation."