Ukrainian refugees will no longer be able to turn down offers of accommodation under new plans agreed by the cabinet.
The government also approved the decision to donate 800 euros to people who host Ukrainian refugees in their homes, as well as expand the use of dormitory-style accommodation.
A remote cabinet meeting was held on Friday afternoon to sign a memorandum that will hopefully alleviate the chronic shortage of available housing for those seeking protection in Ireland.
The cabinet agreed that Ukrainian refugees will now be offered an offer of accommodation and, if not accepted, no further offer will be made. This is understood to be to incentivize people to leave hotel accommodations.
Government sources have stressed to The Mirror that the offers will refer to “suitable accommodation,” reports RTE.
Currently 2,850 properties have been pledged by the government and are awaiting placement.
Government sources have said that while efforts have been made to place refugees in these homes, there have been hesitations about locating them in more rural areas. The Irish Mirror understands that there have been efforts to place people in many of these homes, but the offers have not been accepted.
The government said Friday night that it will work with Ukrainian refugees to address concerns about rural housing.
The Department of Housing and Town Halls will publish a new call for free homes.
The state payment for housing recognition will also increase from €400 to €800 from December 1. The Mirror understands that the note did not mention rolling back the pay increase.
It will cost the State 2.4 million euros per month to provide these payments to the 3,046 people who currently receive this payment.
The government has also decided to expand and accelerate renovation and modular home programs.
“This will include ensuring all available properties, including those with dormitory style configuration, are utilised to avoid any person being turned away. The Government has agreed to substantially increase the number of units to be delivered in 2023,” a Government spokesperson said, reported Mirror.
The first modular homes were supposed to be delivered in November. However, the Office of Public Works (OPW) confirmed to The Irish Mirror earlier this week that there will not be complete units until January or February 2023.
Other measures agreed by Cabinet will include requiring refugees to “utilise existing state income supports to pay for food and day-to-day expenses”, reports Mirror.
Community and Rural Development Minister Heather Humphreys and Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien will work with colleagues to develop a €50m fund that will help communities support refugees.
The Department of Housing was asked to include the impact that Ukrainian refugees will have on the Irish population as part of its review of the National Planning Framework.
However, the Housing for all goals remain unchanged, a senior source said.
Applicants for international protection who have been granted permission to stay in Ireland should be asked to leave direct assistance centers to build additional capacity.
Speaking in Cork, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Ireland faced a “major challenge” in providing housing for all those seeking protection.
He said the government will undertake an analysis of why a significant number of people from other countries have applied for international protection in Ireland.
Taoiseach-accepted accommodation for refugees will continue to pose challenges.
According to Mirror, he said: “We need more capacity, I believe we can create additional capacity, although it will remain very challenging, of that there’s no doubt.”
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