Ireland to Withdraw State Accommodation for 16,000 Ukrainian Refugees from August

The Irish government has agreed to begin withdrawing State-provided accommodation for 16,000 Ukrainian refugees. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan secured this agreement today at the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs.

Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Ireland before March 2024 will no longer be entitled to state-contracted commercial accommodation, except for «highly vulnerable» individuals or those with barriers to independence. These individuals will need to apply and self-declare their need for accommodation, supported by evidence, and will be housed in designated accommodation centres.

The withdrawal will commence in August on a phased basis over six months, with affected individuals receiving a minimum of three months’ notice. The properties currently in use will be returned to tourism or the private rental sector.

Additionally, the €600 Accommodation Recognition Payment Scheme will be wound down from Q3 this year, completing by March next year. A reduction to €400 could be introduced in September, affecting approximately 42,000 people in hosted accommodation. People will be entitled to a Temporary Protection Weekly Payment of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child, subject to an income test, until they return to Ukraine under a voluntary return and reintegration programme, which the government will develop with the EU, likely commencing March 2027.