Ukraine Civil Society Forum rises concerns over reduced support for Ukrainians

The Ukraine Civil Society Forum, a coalition of 122 organisations supporting people displaced by the war in Ukraine in Ireland, has criticised the Government’s decision to withdraw state-provided accommodation for beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and to reduce, and ultimately end, financial supports for hosts accommodating Ukrainian refugees.

The Forum said the measures would place additional pressure on a community already affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where missile and drone attacks continue to target civilian areas. It warned that the changes would have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, particularly children, who account for approximately one-third of those benefiting from Temporary Protection in Ireland.

Forum representatives expressed concern that the policy changes amount to increased pressure on Ukrainians to leave Ireland despite the continuing war and ongoing housing shortages. They argued that the private rental market lacks the capacity to accommodate the more than 56,000 people currently holding Temporary Protection status and cautioned that the withdrawal of accommodation supports could lead to significant instability and hardship.

The coalition also raised concerns about the Government’s proposed alternative immigration pathway for those transitioning from Temporary Protection. While welcoming greater clarity around the application process, member organisations said the proposed emphasis on self-sufficiency and the exclusion of applicants receiving state-supported accommodation could make the scheme inaccessible to many Ukrainians, particularly older people, people with disabilities, carers, and others unable to achieve immediate financial independence.

The Forum further warned that uncertainty surrounding the future legal status and support entitlements of those who do not meet the proposed criteria risks exacerbating anxiety and insecurity within the Ukrainian community.

Concerns were also expressed regarding planned changes to the Accommodation Recognition Payment for hosts. The coalition argued that reducing support for hosted accommodation, while simultaneously scaling back state-provided accommodation, could increase the risk of homelessness and destitution among Ukrainians and place additional pressure on Ireland’s international protection system.

The Forum noted that beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are currently ineligible for key housing supports, including social housing, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), and homeless services, leaving limited alternatives outside the private rental sector.

In response, the Ukraine Civil Society Forum has called on the Government to provide a more secure and sustainable pathway to long-term residency through Stamp 4 permission, maintain accommodation supports for vulnerable individuals beyond March 2027, retain financial assistance for hosted accommodation, and introduce a phased transition plan that better reflects ongoing housing challenges and the continuing conflict in Ukraine.