Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has said that hard-pressed taxpayers will not respond well to a Government scheme which would pay Ukrainian refugees to encourage them to go home.
Deputy Tóibín stated: “Most people would be of the view that if families are unsafe in the Ukraine because of war that we should try and help, including providing shelter.
“And – if and when – it is safe in Ukraine, people should repatriate. As of early this year, over 4.4 million people have returned to their homes in Ukraine from displacement. More than one million people have returned to Ukraine from abroad.
“The idea we would have to pay people to return home, if it’s safe, does not make sense. If Government feels it’s safe for many Ukrainians to return home, and if many are working and earning good money – why should the state pay incentives to encourage repatriation? It will not sit well with many hard-pressed taxpayers.”
Tóibín continued: “Irish people have been very generous in their support. Accommodating Ukrainians has been expensive, with €1.1bn spent just on accommodation in 2024. That figure is expected to fall to €604m this year. That does not include hundreds of millions in the Accommodation Recognition Payment.
“To put that into perspective, the government has made a massive deal about providing about €600m in fuel supports during the fuel crisis. There has also been a hefty cost to the tourism businesses, as a result of hotels no longer being open for tourists.
“Right now, there is war in the east of Ukraine and a real threat to life and limb. However, the Ukrainian tourist board states that many places in the west of the country are operating calmly and are openly welcoming foreign tourists.
“At least 30,000 Ukrainians are employed in Ireland, working and earning a good living. Indeed, we know some have gone back and forth to their home country, as is their right.
“Ireland has been generous to the tune of billions of euro in our support for Ukrainians. We have fulfilled our responsibility to provide supports to people fleeing war.”