Press Release: Ukraine Civil Society Forum voices grave concern at changes to accommodation supports for Ukrainians
The Ukraine Civil Society Forum has expressed its severe concern at the changes discussed in the media regarding the accommodation supports provided to Ukrainians, both in hosted/offer a home settings and in State accommodation.
In letters addressed to Minister of Justice Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy on Monday 3 November, the Forum highlighted the following concerns:
Proposed reduction from 90 to 30 days in state provided accommodation.
The UCSF recognised the added pressure placed on state accommodation as a result of the increased number of applications for Temporary Protection Status since the start of September this year, but are of the position that further reducing the amount of time permissible in state accommodation to just 30 days is extremely counterproductive and overall create more problems than it aims to solve.
The 90 days available currently is the minimum amount of time practical to allow that person or family to determine what their next accommodation options are. At present, hosted accommodation supported by the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is absorbing most of the transition from state accommodation at the end of 90 days. 90 days, or just three months, is the minimum amount of time practical for those who arrive to situate themselves, recover somewhat from the trauma of their dislocation and to being the process of engaging with hosting and/or private accommodation. To reduce this period to 30 days will create immense difficulties in this process and may result in homelessness for Ukrainian individuals and families.
In repeated surveys of the Ukrainian community, carried out by Ukrainian Action in Ireland with support from the State, the level of accommodation support provided in Ireland is not the main motivating factor for displaced Ukrainians choosing Ireland as a destination. In the 2024 survey, accommodation supports were the main reason for movement for just 7% of those who moved, and was fourth overall in terms of reasons for choosing Ireland. Furthermore, the UCSF is of the position that reducing the amount of time available could potentially see Ireland move into a position of being out of line with the governing Directive. The Temporary Protection Directive requires that EU member states, including Ireland, provide 'suitable accommodation' to beneficiaries.
However, the UCSF’s greatest concern in this area is the practical impact of the proposed reduction. The UCSF reiterated that all stakeholders share the desire for the Ukrainian community to be self-sufficient, as do they; this move will hinder their integration and self-sufficiency and do nothing to reduce the desire of those who are displaced to choose Ireland as a destination.
Suggested reduction in Accommodation Recognition Payment:
Similarly, the Forum expressed grave concern at the suggested reduction of the fee paid to hosts of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from €600 per month to €400 per month. As stated earlier, hosting and the offer a home scheme are absorbing much of the movement from state accommodation. Over 40,000 Ukrainian individuals and families are currently hosted under ARP, to the credit of the Irish public who opened their doors to those in need. To reduce the amount paid and risk the disengagement of hosts and a stalling of the process of hosting in general is unconscionable and risks both added pressure on the private rental sector and potential homelessness and lack of options for those unable to be hosted.
It makes little sense to simultaneously reduce the amount of time available in state accommodation while also negatively altering hosting, which remains the only viable alternative for those seeking refuge in Ireland beyond the private rental sector. As the Ministers have themselves said in media and the Oireachtas, most of those who engaged in hosting as hosts are not landlords, they are not seeking profit – they are engaging in hosting as a humanitarian action. This is a phenomenon we should be supporting as a state, not undermining and jeopardising.
Overall, the proposed changes risk the movement of Ukrainians from Temporary Protection Status into their seeking to apply for International Protection if they perceive that it may be the only option to receive accommodation support. This would place considerable, and potentially catastrophic, pressure on that system.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are unable to receive homelessness support or access to social housing or Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). To further limit their options may result in International Protection as being seen as the only last resort for that community.
We urge the Government to deeply consider both the immediate and the long term practical negative impacts of these suggested policies.
ENDS
Contact: communications@immigrantcouncil.ie or Phone: 01 645 8045
Notes to the Editor
Media Interviews - Brian Killoran, National Coordinator of the UCSF is available for interview.
About the Ukraine Civil Society Forum
The Ukraine Civil Society Forum is a short-term, responsive initiative convened by Civil Society acting collectively to support the emergency settlement of Ukrainian refugees to Ireland. Comprising 121 organisations across Ireland, the Forum aims to provide national coordination of civil society and community responses, connecting into the State’s emergency response structures.
About the Immigrant Council
The Immigrant Council of Ireland is the leading national human rights organisation working to defend migrant rights in Ireland. It provides free immigration advice and legal support through its helpline and law centre, as well as campaigning for immigration reform. The Council also provides support to victims of racism and human trafficking and provides opportunities for migrants to connect with each other and their communities. Visit www.immigrantcouncil.ie for more information.