FALCON POWERS – In a move reflecting the policies of most European Union countries, the Irish government has announced a significant reduction in social welfare payments for Ukrainian refugees. The decision will be implemented starting September 1, where weekly payments will drop from €232 to only €38.80.
This decision has drawn widespread criticism from left-wing parties in Ireland, who have warned of its consequences on children and increased poverty. Paul Murphy, a member of the “People Before Profit” party, said, “The direct impact of this decision will be a rise in child poverty rates in the country.” Murphy pointed out that most Ukrainian refugees in Ireland are women and children, describing the decision as an inhumane step by the government. He explained that child benefits will be reduced to €29.80 per week, affecting around 19,000 refugees, despite the fact that around 80,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The decision aims to narrow the gap between what Ireland pays and what other European countries such as France and Germany are spending. In France, refugees receive €47.60 per week, while in Germany, the citizen’s income is set at €563 per month, with child benefits of €471 per month. Senator Barry Ward of the Fine Gael party stated, “The purpose of this reduction is to be on par with our European counterparts and to ensure fairness among all Ukrainian refugees in Ireland, regardless of their arrival date.”
It is believed that these changes may deter more refugees from moving to Ireland, especially with the ongoing housing shortage as one of the major challenges facing the Irish economy.
Through this decision, the Irish government is sending a clear message: the warm welcome extended to Ukrainian refugees is beginning to fade, replaced by a colder reality.
