We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Ukrainian refugee supports

Summary

Deputy Cairns questioned the Government’s comparison of supports for Ukrainian refugees with other EU states. The Taoiseach said comparisons were difficult and confirmed education, medical cards and social protection would continue.

The Government says that it is cutting support to Ukrainian refugees to bring it in line with other EU countries but, of course, it is very difficult to make comparisons of temporary protection supports across the EU. That is, because, for instance, some countries have free public services and the cost of living is varied across different countries. Some provide both federal and local level supports. In addition to that, the Department of Justice stated that 30% of Ukrainian refugees have come here after having spent time in other EU countries.

Can the Taoiseach provide any detail about that 30% figure? How long are people spending in other EU countries before they arrive? Are they just passing through? Have they spent considerable time in EU countries? Is it potentially connection flights? Does the Taoiseach know what proportion of those people are travelling here to be reunited with family?

To sum it up, we want to have a debate which is based upon facts. Will the Taoiseach publish all of the data which the Government is basing this decision on and will he publish it today so that we have that information?

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy and she is absolutely correct to say that comparisons are difficult to do from member state to member state, given the different costs of living and social services which are available. Obviously, education will remain available to children coming from Ukraine as will the provision of medical cards. There is an entitlement to social protection, once the 90-days in State-provided accommodation runs out, or, if they leave prior to the 90 days, that protection will also kick in.

I do not think that we have ever said that 30% of all Ukrainians who came here were secondary movements; it is 30% in recent weeks or months. I will see if we can get that data for the Deputy. We have a table which compares what is on offer in different member states and we will also provide that.

Comment on this