A Ukrainian woman living in Ennis insists urgent notice must be given to refugees at risk of losing their accommodation this summer.
It follows the Government’s announcement that it will begin to phase out State-provided accommodation from August.
The process of withdrawing accommodation is due to begin on a phased basis from August, with people being given a minimum of three months’ notice.
The move is expected to impact some 16,000 people nationwide, with accommodation set to be returned to the tourism market.
The most recent figures provided by Clare County Council show 831 Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection residing in the county with 16 hotels currently in use for housing Ukrainian refugees.
Ennis resident Maria Nikishanova, who’s originally from Irpin, says those who have built new lives in Ireland must be notified now if they have no place to stay when these measures come into force.
Those who still qualify for temporary protection must re-apply to receive accomodation at a designated centre and as part of this process, applicants will have to provide proof of vulnerability.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment is also set to reduce to €400 under the changes, down from €800 when the war initially broke out.
Clare Immigrant Support Network Manager, Simon Ó’Treasaigh, says Government won’t save money by phasing out State-owned accommodation, if Ukrainians end up in the direct provision system.
Listen here:
