Ireland to End State-Provided Accommodation for Most Ukrainian Refugees Arrived Before March 2024
Ireland's Tánaiste Simon Harris announced reforms to the Ukrainian refugee housing scheme, deeming it «not fair» and unsustainable. Most refugees who arrived before March 2024 will lose State-provided accommodation, except for vulnerable cases. This move, affecting 16,000 people, aims to reduce costs and address social cohesion, despite criticism.
Tánaiste Simon Harris stated that Ireland's current scheme for housing Ukrainian refugees, which began in 2022, is «not fair» and requires reform. He acknowledged that while he is proud of Ireland’s initial response, the reliance on hotels was unsustainable and costly, with billions of euros spent.
The government's decision to withdraw State-provided commercial accommodation for most Ukrainian refugees who arrived before March 2024 was agreed upon by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan. Exceptions will be made for «highly vulnerable» individuals or those with barriers to independence. Currently, 16,000 Ukrainian refugees are housed in State accommodation.
This policy change has drawn criticism, with Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman calling it a «cliff edge» for families, arguing it is a rapid removal of supports while civilians still die in Ukraine. Harris defended the move, citing the need to «regularise» the situation, reduce spending, and address social cohesion issues arising from some refugees working without paying rent, contrasting with those arriving in 2024 who receive only 30 days of State accommodation.