Ireland to Change Ukrainian Accommodation, Introduce Autism Protocol, and Boost Financial Literacy
Ireland's Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan will change Ukrainian accommodation, phasing out commercial housing for 16,000 people and reducing payments. Separately, a new Autism Protocol will standardize assessments, and a ten-year strategy aims to reduce suicide rates. Financial literacy and international scholarship programs will also see updates.
Minister for Justice and Migration Jim O'Callaghan will seek Government approval to change how Ukrainians are accommodated in Ireland. The Government plans to withdraw tourist and commercial housing for up to 16,000 Ukrainians, starting in August 2024 over six months. Residents will receive a minimum of three months' notice. The €600 Accommodation Recognition Payment Scheme is also likely to be phased out by March 2025, with a potential reduction to €400 in September for 42,000 people in hosted accommodation.
Separately, Ministers Norma Foley and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will present a memo on a new Autism Protocol, developed with autistic people and clinicians. This protocol aims to provide a standardized autism assessment for children and adults across the HSE and funded agencies, allowing access to diagnosis and services without an Assessment of Need, which currently has a two-year waiting time.
Additionally, a new ten-year strategy to reduce suicide and self-harm rates will be introduced, focusing on societal risk factors like poverty and addiction, and expanding community mental health supports. The implementation plan will be published by Minister Mary Butler in September.
Tánaiste Simon Harris will update Cabinet on the National Financial Literacy Strategy, outlining over 100 measures to improve financial knowledge. Higher Education Minister James Lawless will propose rebranding Ireland’s international scholarship programs, expanding them from 60 to 100 by 2030, targeting priority areas, and increasing stipends to €15,000 to attract global talent.