Reduced payments for newly arrived Ukrainian refugees in Ireland will be introduced at the beginning of February. However, they will apply only to the period of residence in state housing. This was stated by Minister of Social Protection Heather Humphreys in the Irish Independent.


Ireland has approved new rules for the stay of Ukrainian refugees, which will apply only to newly arrived people. In particular, the period of stay in free housing provided by the state will be limited to 90 days, and weekly payments to war refugees will be reduced to 38.80 euros from 220 euros.


According to the minister, Ukrainian refugees will receive reduced payments only as long as they live in public housing. Ukrainians will receive higher social assistance when they live independently outside of public housing.


Special arrival centers for Ukrainians will accept only new arrivals, Heather Humphreys told the Social Protection Committee. Some of these new centers will be built across the country. Refugees will be accommodated there for 90 days.


"So the fact that they are in a designated accommodation center makes them eligible for payment," the minister said.


Irish politicians note that from now on there will be a big difference between those who go to the accommodation center and those who find accommodation on their own. Reduced payments will also be an incentive to look for their own housing.


At the same time, homeowners who accept Ukrainian refugees will receive 800 euros per month from the state.


Ireland has already accepted more than 110,000 refugees from Ukraine, which has led to an increased housing shortage in the country. The reduction in payments is expected to make the country less attractive to newcomers.