Legislation on reduced welfare payments for Ukrainians goes to Cabinet

The Minister for Social Protection is set to bring legislation to the Cabinet this morning to give effect to the Government decision to reduce welfare payments for any new arrivals from the Ukraine.

The decision, which was made before Christmas, will see any new arrivals from the war torn country receive an expense allowance of just €38.80 per week, instead of the current jobseeker's rate of €232 per week.

The legislation brought by Minister Heather Humphreys will also require those that receive the payment to engage with the Department of Social Protection's Public Employment Service where they will receive training and skills support to help them gain employment in Ireland.

Those arriving from Ukraine will also only get accommodation from the State for a maximum of 90 days while a long term plan surrounding accommodation for asylum seekers is currently being drafted and will go to Cabinet in a few weeks.