“Callous, shortsighted and regressive” - Nasc CEO, Fiona Hurley on reduced payments for Ukrainians

Nasc stands firmly in opposition to government proposals to slash payments to Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. It is unclear why the government has now taken the decision to reduce payments to those who have been making a life for themselves and their families over the past two years. It is callous, shortsighted and regressive.  

Two years of war have caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Ukraine, and there appears to be no end in sight. Many of those who have been living here for two years or more have no home to return to. Taking away financial supports from these families now sends a chilling message of indifference to those we have pledged to support. We don’t believe that this reflects the compassion and solidarity that Irish people and the thousands of volunteers across the country have shown to our new Ukrainian communities over the past two years.

The timing of this decision, in the run-up to the elections in June, is of great concern. We hope to see more political leadership that promotes the social cohesion of local and migrant communities in Ireland, rather than political point-scoring in the coming weeks.  

There has been significant research to show that the Daily Expense Allowance payments made to asylum seekers of 38.80 per week for adults and 29.80 for children place families in poverty. The amounts of these payments were last reviewed and increased in 2019 and do not reflect the cost of living increases since then.  
 
It is deeply unfair that this new measure will penalise Ukrainian families - who are living in State-run accommodation and who do not have access to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) - for not having found independent accommodation in the community. Working families across Ireland need HAP supports to subsidise their rental costs, however Ukrainian families have been stymied in their ability to move out of centres as they have do not have access to HAP. 

We know that people will be negatively impacted in terms of their long-term integration outcomes. We are particularly concerned about single parents and those who are upskilling to find employment. Many Ukrainians are utilising State supports to upskill with college courses and other trainings so they can find meaningful employment in Ireland. There are over 17,000 Ukrainians in further education in Ireland and for many, with the withdrawal of State supports, this may no longer be affordable. For the many single parent families separated or bereaved by the war, who are already impacted by the lack of childcare places for working families in Ireland, this proposal will simply create new barriers for parents in finding work.