Hundreds of Ukrainians living in Ireland apply for international protection as benefits cut, State warned

A recent cabinet committee meeting highlighted that nearly 800 Ukrainians have sought asylum since August, prompting officials to alert ministers to monitor this situation closely.

Concerns were raised about Ukrainians' capacity to afford essential needs like laundry, medical expenses, and transport with reduced welfare payments implemented since September, signaling possible 'unintended consequences'.

The Cabinet's decision to cut welfare rates aimed at equalizing benefits for newly arrived Ukrainians with earlier arrivals has affected 5,500 individuals, creating tension regarding essential living costs.

Some senior officials warned that extending reduced welfare benefits to Ukrainians in self-catering accommodations could exacerbate their challenges in meeting basic living expenses.

Read at Irish Independent