Photo credit: the Irish independent
The UNHCR has made known its concerns about the the Irish Government’s recent decision to stop benefit payments to Ukrainian refugees housed in state provided accommodation.
The Journal reports that the planned cuts will mean that Ukrainian refugees in state accommodation will receive a social welfare payment of 38.80 euros for adults and 29.80 euros for children regardless of when they got to the country.
Thousands of Ukrainian refugees are currently on the Jobseeker’s Allowance rate of 232 euros per week. However, with the new plan, the payments will be cut in three months’ time.
Although details of the reductions are still being worked out, the government intends to implement them within 12 weeks.
But UNHCR feels the reductions are “a drastic cut” while urging the Government to make it easier for Ukrainians to find work and rent their own accommodation.
It said most of those in state provided accommodation are vulnerability, including children, older people, women at particular risk and people with disabilities.
