The Irish Government introduced substantial changes to the support granted to new arrivals from Ukraine, specifically with a new 90-day limit on use of state-provided accommodation and reduction in social welfare entitlement.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland writes in a statement that there is a need for the development and scaling of longer-term accommodation options, in order to increase feelings of certainty about the future among those displaced from Ukraine.

The council further observes that:

• The total minimum essential standard of living (MESL) expenditure needed for a one parent family with two children (one in primary school; one in secondary school) is €228.29 a week where accommodation, food and laundry are provided. The €38.80 per week 'Direct Provision payment' - the state support new arrivals from Ukraine will now receive - does not meet this standard.
• There are currently 6 000 people living in 'Direct Provision' accommodation who have refugee status but have been unable to move to new accommodation due to unaffordable rent prices, and who will struggle to adhere to the new 90-day limit.
• As a result of these new changes, it is likely that people will apply for international protection. Ultimately this defeats the original purpose of the use of temporary protection status, which is to reduce pressure on the protection process.
• Stronger medium-term planning is needed, in particular by the Department of Housing.
• Stable accommodation is critical to allowing new arrivals to secure employment and contribute their skills to the labour market, as well as to afford to pay for rent and the costs of establishing themselves in a new country.
• Clearer, compassionate communication of changes in support are needed, in order to provide reassurance and a sense of stability to those displaced from Ukraine navigating many complex issues.