The Minister for Social Protection has defended emergency financial assistance provided to some Ukrainian refugees for car repairs, reports The Irish Examiner.
Dara Calleary explained that additional needs payments are available to anyone in the country, with each application undergoing strict review. He emphasized that such payments for vehicle repairs are not a common occurrence.
His comments were in response to concerns raised by Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn, who told the Dáil last week that some recipients of Temporary Protection from Ukraine had received payments between €400 and €7,000 for car-related expenses, including new tyres. However, he did not specify how frequently this occurred, reports The Irish Examiner.
Mr. Calleary stated: “Anyone can apply for an additional needs payment for a specific reason. Applications are subject to assessment, and we process a significant number of them nationwide. It’s not restricted to any particular group—anyone can apply for emergency assistance.”
Last week, Mr. O’Flynn pressed Tánaiste Simon Harris on the issue, questioning the use of public funds for vehicle repairs. He claimed that he was unaware of any other government that provided such financial support for car maintenance, reports The Irish Examiner.
However, Mr. Calleary reiterated that the additional needs payment scheme is open to all residents and that any approved payments must meet specific criteria and be granted only under particular circumstances.
“This includes car repairs, which may be necessary for family or work reasons. Everyone who applies has a reason,” he said, reports The Irish Examiner.
“Many applications are rejected, but for those who have a legitimate need and lack the necessary funds at that time, the process is assessed carefully and thoroughly,” reports The Irish Examiner.
He assured that strict checks and balances are in place to minimize the potential for misuse.
“While many applications are denied, when someone has a valid reason and cannot afford the expense at that moment, the request is rigorously assessed,” he added, reports The Irish Examiner.
Mr. O’Flynn said he is seeking further clarification on the matter.
“I want an evidenced-based debate on the use of social protection funding,” he said, reports The Irish Examiner.
“I want at the very least to ensure that there is parity of treatment, and that we are not being taken for absolute mugs by a department that has been generous to a fault with taxpayers’ money, as the farcical spend of €1m per month on accommodation for pets of Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in 2022 clearly demonstrated,” reports The Irish Examiner.
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