The chief executive of the migrants rights organisation Doras, John Lannon, has said that he did not think it was possible for the Taoiseach to give an assurance that Ukrainian refugees would not end up sleeping on the streets in Ireland.
Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Mr Lannon expressed concern that if the 90-day limit on accommodation is imposed it would drive people into homelessness and put people in precarious positions.
“It's likely to leave women, children and men on the streets. We know that there are already 6000 people stuck in direct provision with refugee status, but they can't leave because there's no affordable accommodation.”
There was no accommodation available for them, which was the reason why they were not leaving direct provision, he explained.
“There is still a lack of clarity around the proposals, but we do have to also note that the problem here is that the Government hasn't done enough to provide mid to long-term accommodation.
“They need to do that for both beneficiaries of temporary protection and for international protection applicants. We and others have been saying this for a year and a half now, but it still hasn't happened.
“The Department of Children are still carrying the can when it comes to finding accommodation.
"Civil society, of course, has played its part as well, but it's now well pastime that the Department of Housing became involved to provide for the needs for people coming from Ukraine.”
On Monday, coalition leaders signed off on plans to alter support for Ukrainian refugees in receipt of State accommodation.
Ukrainian refugees can currently receive €220 in jobseekers’ allowance while looking for work.
The proposals, which goes for formal Cabinet approval on Tuesday, would see the weekly €220 payment drop to €38.80 for those housed by the State.
Applicants could see the payment increase if they leave State-provided accommodation.
It is understood the proposals would also limit State accommodation for any new arrivals to 90 days.
The Government has said it is no longer possible to house all international protection applicants indefinitely.
