Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed on Tuesday that a proposal to withdraw accommodation from up to 16,000 Ukrainian refugees will be brought before the Cabinet at a later date. Speaking on his way into a Cabinet meeting, Martin said a Cabinet subcommittee on migration had discussed the issue on Monday, and that the 'direction of travel' was clear, but no final decision has been made.
The plan, which has been criticized as 'immoral' by opposition parties and refugee advocacy groups, would affect Ukrainians who have been in state-provided accommodation for over 90 days. Under current rules, those arriving from Ukraine are entitled to free housing, but the government is considering tightening the policy due to rising costs and pressure on the housing system.
According to the Department of Integration, as of April 2026, over 70,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland since the Russian invasion in February 2022. The government has spent more than €2 billion on accommodation and supports for Ukrainians, with around 16,000 currently in state-provided housing.
Opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald of Sinn Féin called the proposed cuts 'cruel and short-sighted,' arguing that many refugees are still unable to find work or private housing. The Irish Refugee Council also warned that withdrawing support could leave families homeless.
Martin emphasized that no final decision has been taken and that the government is exploring alternatives, including increased support for employment and private rental options. A formal Cabinet discussion is expected within the next two weeks.
