The Government are considering measures to help Ukrainian refugees become permanent residents.  

Of the 75,000 Ukrainian refugees, the Government may introduce measures to allow 30,000 of them to stay, while offering welfare payments to the rest to return home.  

Irish Sun Deputy Political Editor Hugh O’Connell told The Pat Kenny Show reports seen by the Government suggest that 41% of refugees who came to Ireland following the war in Ukraine have decided to stay in Ireland permanently. 

“There's been discussions for example, about a permanent Migration Agency being established in order to manage these kinds of things better,” he explained. 

“Ukrainians across the country are contributing to the economy – thousands of employees, and there are thousands of them in our schools who are being educated and trained for the workforce.” 

This has raised questions about whether they hope to bring other families members to Ireland and the strain that will have on resources.  

A new force for Ireland

Luba Healy, a Ukrainian resident of Ireland for 23 years, said she has “only positive things” to say about the prospect of refugees taking permanent residence.  

Speaking about family members she brought to Ireland herself and other refugees she knows, Ms Healy said, “each of them have a job and they contribute to Irish economy.” 

“They are not on their welfare payments, which what I tried to achieve when I brought them here.” 

She said these refugees represent “a new force for Ireland, and Ireland needs people”.  

“With more people in Ireland, I would say taxes would be less because they would contribute to the economy,” she said. 

Stability and security

Ms Healy said those who want to return to Ukraine also need support – but many have chosen to stay as the war continues.  

“You would want to have a stable job. Because stability and security - that would be number one.” 

Ukrainians living in Ireland protest outside Leinster House in Dublin over the Russian invasion. Picture by: Mairéad Cleary

Family members coming to Ireland would not be a burden, according to Ms Healy, because those currently in Ireland would wait until they have a stable job and residence to bring their family.  

“It is important to give a green light to people who can give back to Ireland by being here, by giving services and providing their services to Irish people and to themselves,” she said.  

Ms Healy said fear of refugees should not stop the Government from offering resources to permanent residents.  

“One or two bad apples can spoil the truth... but most of us are hardworking people,” she argued. “Give us work, give us a job and we can dig down.”