Ukrainian refugees in Ireland - Megathread

The hotelier on Pat Kenny yesterday said there are Ukrainians coming from other countries for economic reasons.

These are people who are not fleeing war.

Is this country a joke?

What's the average monthly income in Ukraine.

Is the dole and children's allowance more than their monthly wage.

Living here rent free with free food and taxis. Is it likely Ukrainians are saving money for when they go back?

Yes, I remember you mentioning the bus service incident before. I had to read you post twice, because my first reaction was: "Ah no, i must've got it wrong." But yes, this seems to be the pattern.

Summer camp run locally provided plenty of free places for Ukrainian kids, yet there was no places available for some of the locals who actually pay for camp.

In the local school, there was an appeal for school uniforms, back packs, school supplies, etc for ukrainian children, a local do-gooders sent out emails with strict condition that uniforms and everything must be new or like new. Only later to see the Ukrainian kids to wear ordinary clothes to much annoyance of the local kids. The brilliant answer that I got as to why they do not wear the uniform when it was all gathered for them and some parents actually went out and bought new things, was: well, they don't like it and prefer their own clothes... (Mind you, kids from the hotel decked out pretty well: designer runners on a daily basis. ) So, what do we say to our kids? ah, well, sweet heart, there are rules, you have to comply with, but Ukrainians are too special to even bother to wear a uniform... What was the point then collecting uniform for them?

mind you, end of school year second hand uniform sale among ordinary Irish families always goes well every time, they don't get handed out new things for nothing.

I've lost the track of all the trips and tours for Ukrainians here. But apparently you can't ask them to participate in any community event which involves some work, like clean ups, hosting tea/coffee mornings, etc. They might take offence and think we want to exploit them.

I got thinking last night after another week of absurdity, increasing costs here, thinking about the winter ahead and wondered what if and it's a big if, the War ended Today.

What's the strategy, what's the plan, What are government intentions . The conclusion I came to, after much thought is, There is No plan, Just like there was no plan last March.

Even at this late stage if a cap was introduced (that will likely never happen) we've one enormous problem. I wondered would the EU directive be put back on a dusty shelf somewhere 🤔 of course not, immediately at least. It would seem to me at least, Mass migration will continue regardless of a Ceasefire for months, so at a minimum we're looking at 100k being here by December 31st and the numbers will continue to flow, I anticipate a massive surge pre winter.

I take every single pledge by the government and their ability to actually house even 10%, of the numbers with a grain of salt, this aside from the 10.5k in emergency Accommodation and 4k waiting to get out of DP.

At an absolute minimum this appalling debacle is here to stay for a minimum of two years and if there's no intention to encourage these Refugees to return home, which I'm convinced is the actual plan, we are realistically looking at a decade or more of ongoing and substantial financial supports. It's actually staggering this Government could have jumped in head first without it would seem a second of thought into the long term consequences of what they've done.

Good intentions or Not is a monumental miscalculation and extraordinarily when they knew there was no infrastructure, Housing, accommodation and an ongoing cost of living crisis which is getting worse by the week.

I'm not a, parent but neighbours are and they are infuriated at the costs they are enduring with back to school bills and then being asked to donate all sorts of Goodies by moronic Do Gooders, some not even parents of young children . I've heard mention of special allowances for Ukrainian children, also places promised taken up.

I absolutely don't blame the Children but it's outrageous the DOE have just told schools to suck it up whilst sticking their fingers up at parents, little or no additional financial supports for schools, instead a reliance on the generousity of already struggling local parents.

Dempo, given all your on-going concern for these vulnerable neighbours, isn't it strange that in all the years you are down there, you never set up something yourself locally to help them?

If there were no sports clubs in the area and the community decided to set up a GAA club and asked for donations, would you suddenly be protesting that they can't do it because there is no soccerball club?

If people want to help the Ukrainians, let them help the Ukrainians. If you want to help the local vulnerable people, then you set something up for them.

Otherwise it comes across that you don't actually give a sh1t about the locals other than the fact that they give a contrast for you to moan about others helping Ukrainians.

NGOs are the cancer of modern Irish and European society. They undermine our states and democracies at every turn. Cull the lot

Thanks for your Concern but I've Two words I could use but will remain Polite.

Clearly you don't understand the Age Demographic in rural Ireland, nor the distances some have to travel for hospital appointments, the fact Eldery or vunerable live in very remote locations and might need occasional assistance, which I've done for years for no other reason than basic decency. I don't require the need to hang ridiculous flags outside my home to let the world know how simply wonderful I am.

I've raised the disgusting hypocrisy I've witnessed in my local community, not to get yours or others seal of approval . I've further raised the extraordinary supports put on for one cohort whilst others have been ignored for years .

I can see what your at , it won't wash with me, I'm afraid and I won't be baited , try your silliness with someone else , DONALD 🙄

We can't do any of that under "EUROPEAN LAW" 🙄

European Laws can also mandate equal treatment rather than absolute levels. So it might be legal for Poland to stop money to some Ukrainians as long as that is their system for Polish people as well.

I would point how you know well what he is saying, but what you're at is more of the same snide deflecting and low-level nonsense that offers nothing but merely provokes others with the intent of getting the thread derailed or warnings issued - seen it all before, it's nothing new!

But prove me wrong.. Given even the media and some politicians are now starting to suggest that the limit has been reached, public support is dropping, and the inequality of the situation is becoming more apparent (you cannot deny things like welfare rates, free accommodation, meals, travel and exceptions that are being made), what do YOU think should be done?

Should the Irish just continue to "Do More"? Until when? How much is enough?

The war was only a few weeks old when the housing minister said they'd need 35k houses for those Ukrainians that'll stay here permanently. I didn't hear of any politician pulling him up on the figure.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thejournal.ie/35000-homes-ukrainian-refugees-5725009-Mar2022/%3famp=1

Question Donald: what actions have you taken personally to support Ukrainians in your local community? Paying tax excepted..

When ? IF