The Irish government is set to approve a reduction in the accommodation payment for Ukrainian refugees from €800 to €600 per month, while extending the scheme until March 31, 2026, to align with the EU Temporary Protection Directive.
Since the scheme’s introduction following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, €272 million has been paid to 22,900 hosts, currently housing almost 35,500 Ukrainian refugees. The payment reduction will not take effect immediately, and the government is consulting with the Department of Housing about the scheme’s impact on the housing market.
Approximately 113,600 Ukrainians have been granted temporary protection in Ireland since February 2022, with around 85,000 currently remaining in the country, according to the Central Statistics Office. The Ukraine Civil Society Forum had previously warned that without scheme extension, hosts could lose their accommodation.
In a separate but related development, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan will present the National Implementation Plan for the EU Migration and Asylum Pact to the Cabinet. The plan demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to joining the EU-wide agreement that will standardize migration and asylum management across 27 member states and Schengen countries from 2026.
According to The Journal, the implementation plan will involve a ‘Pact Programme Team’ comprising representatives from the Department of Children, Equality and Integration, Gardaí, and the Legal Aid Board. Government sources emphasize that the plan aligns with human rights protections outlined in the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights, European Convention on Human Rights, and UN Refugee Convention.
Additionally, the Cabinet will receive updates on other matters, including the first meeting of the Limerick Mayoral and Government Consultative Forum and a new bill allowing employees with contractual retirement ages to work until state pension age.