"So Much for Solidarity With Ukraine" - Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik Slams Government for Withdrawing Accodomation Support for Ukrainian Refugees - 30/04/2026

The Government’s decision to withdraw accommodation for Ukrainian refugees is being criticised in the Dail by leader of the Labour Party, Ivana Bacik.The move was agreed earlier this week, with the process beginning in August on a phased basis. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan secured the agreement on Tuesday afternoon at the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs. Ukrainian people who arrived in Ireland before March 2024 will no longer be entitled to State-contracted commercial accommodation, with the exception of “highly vulnerable” people or those with barriers to independence. Currently 16,000 Ukrainian refugees are housed in State-provided accommodation and the withdrawal will begin in August on a phased basis over six months. People affected will be given a minimum of three months’ notice.  We were joined on The Agenda this morning by Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, who told us more about why she doesn’t agree with what is going to happen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.