Kyiv Official: Ireland's Housing Crisis Won't End by Phasing Out Ukrainian Refugee Accommodation
A top Kyiv official, Sergiy Kyslytsya, stated Ireland's housing crisis won't be solved by phasing out State-funded accommodation for 16,000+ Ukrainian refugees from August. He noted the crisis predates the 2022 influx, highlighting a structural issue. Irish organizations warn removing support during wartime will increase trauma, while the Department of Justice considers phased changes.
Sergiy Kyslytsya, first deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s office, stated that Ireland’s housing crisis will not be resolved by the government’s decision to phase out State-funded accommodation for Ukrainians. This follows confirmation of a plan to terminate over 500 contracts for hotels and other housing for more than 16,000 Ukrainian refugees from August.
Kyslytsya emphasized that Ireland's housing crisis predates the 2022 influx of Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion. He noted that Ukrainians working in Ireland face the same housing issues as Irish citizens, regardless of salary, indicating a structural problem within Ireland itself. He added that even if most Ukrainians leave, it would not solve pre-existing problems.
Since 2022, conditions for Ukrainians in Ireland have tightened, with new arrivals limited to 90 days of State-provided accommodation from March 2024. The Ukraine Civil Society Forum, representing 122 Irish organizations, warned that removing supports during an ongoing war would exacerbate trauma. Brian Killoran, the forum’s national coordinator, highlighted the private rental market’s inability to absorb over 58,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection, leaving international protection as the only alternative.
Irish Refugee Council CEO Nick Henderson stated that hotel accommodation, though never intended to be permanent, served as a vital safety net, and people remain because the war continues. The government’s move has divided Opposition parties. Labour Party finance spokesman Ged Nash called the proposal «unethical» and «immoral,» arguing that supporting refugees is Ireland’s unique contribution given its military neutrality. Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty criticized the tax-free Accommodation Recognition Payment for distorting the rental market. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín supported the move, citing the significant impact on society and the need for Ireland’s supports to align with other jurisdictions.
The Department of Justice confirmed Ireland’s intent to continue supporting Ukrainians with temporary protection. It stated that proposals for phasing out State-funded accommodation, in line with an EU Council Recommendation for a coordinated transition, are being considered. Any changes would be phased, with information and support for residents, and ongoing supports for those with particular circumstances.