Between 9 October 2023 and 9 October 2024, a total of 86 Ukrainian nationals were removed from State-funded accommodation in Ireland after leaving their lodgings without receiving official permission, according to data released to RTÉ News under the Freedom of Information Act, reports RTE.
This follows a change in policy introduced in October 2023, which no longer allowed short-term absences from accommodation provided to Ukrainian refugees without prior approval.
Concerns about the policy were raised by refugee support organisations last November, warning of the consequences for Ukrainians who left their accommodation temporarily without notifying the Department of Integration, reports RTE.
A spokesperson for the department said that the absence policy was put in place to avoid State resources being spent on unoccupied beds, unless in exceptional circumstances. At the time, the department did not track how many people were asked to vacate their accommodation due to these unapproved absences.
Under the revised rules introduced on 9 October 2023, those staying in emergency accommodation such as hotels and guesthouses could only be absent for more than one night with prior authorisation from the Ukraine Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team (UCTAT). If someone left without permission, it could be classified as a “refusal of emergency accommodation,” reports RTE.
Although eviction was not automatic under the policy, the UCTAT retained the right to implement its Refusals Policy. Those affected could submit a retroactive application for their absence to be approved.
The first formal eviction notice under this updated system was issued on 1 March 2024, nearly five months after the policy came into effect. The notice informed the individual that their unauthorised absence had been interpreted as a refusal of accommodation and that they would no longer be offered State housing, reports RTE.
In March, eight such notices were issued. Subsequent months saw an increase: 11 in April, 9 in May, 11 in June, 12 in July, 14 in August, and 15 in September. In the final nine days of the policy year, six more letters were sent.
Emma Lane Spollen, National Coordinator of the Ukraine Civil Society Forum, welcomed the release of this data, stressing the gravity of evicting people from accommodation. She emphasized the vulnerability of those affected and called for full transparency. This, she said, should include an analysis of eviction reasons and records of any successful appeals.
The Department of Integration noted that a special exemption to the absence policy is granted during the Christmas period, allowing travel without prior permission for three weeks, reports RTE.
For those wishing to travel or take up temporary work elsewhere, the department said individuals may voluntarily relinquish their accommodation and reapply upon return. However, there is no assurance that any future offer will match the quality or location of their original lodging.
Since March 2022, the department has been providing emergency housing for Ukrainians fleeing war, with the number peaking at around 60,000 by the end of 2023, reports RTE.
Given the scale of this operation, the department underscored the need for compliance with rules and procedures. Individuals are informed of the conditions tied to their accommodation, and providers are contractually bound to enforce them.
The department added that those who prefer to find private or pledged housing are free to make their own arrangements, reports RTE.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
