There are reports of a major rift within the Government over new plans for Ukrainian refugees.
Minister for Roderic O'Gorman presented Cabinet with a proposal that would see new arrivals offered State accommodation for only 90 days.
Ukranians would then have to find accommodation through the private rental sector or through an offer-a-home scheme.
A shortage of housing has left the Government resorting to using tents in some cases, which was seen in Stradbally, Co. Laois, where refugees were left in tents after Electric Picnic.
The Irish Times reports Tánaiste Micheál Martin and other Fianna Fáil ministers took issue with the new time limit, claiming it would effectively push the problem onto the Department of Housing as refugees look for alternative accommodation.
Concerns were raised as to how this would affect homeless services. However, other sources in the Government queried this, saying that under the temporary protection directive which allows Ukrainians rights within the EU, they don’t have entitlements to housing or homeless services through the Department of Housing.
Mr Martin also raised concerns as to how this could affect the education of Ukrainian children, should they be moved around after just three months in the country.
In what was described as a heated meeting amongst coalition, possible new reforms regarding welfare supports was discussed, with concerns raised over high Irish rates of social welfare are acting as a factor for Ukrainian refugees to come to Ireland over other European countries.
By Michael Bolton
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