Opinion

Editorial: Ireland of the Welcomes

THE Dublin government’s decision to financially assist households who are willing to accommodate Ukrainian refugees is both timely and welcome.

It is hoped that the expected monthly support of €400 will attract enough households to allow the government to expand its accommodation provision.

While a significant number have already opened up their homes in the face of what is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, price rises in electricity, fuel and food mean that many may find it difficult to sustain their benevolence in the longer term.

In responding to that challenge, the government has displayed a commendable ability to balance human compassion with economic need.

With 25,000 refugees already in the state, Justice Minister Helen McEntee has pledged not to put a cap on the number it will accept.

While this sentiment is both admirable and understandable, its implementation requires detailed government intervention in securing appropriate accommodation for those fleeing the war.

That intervention has already produced impressive results.

Although much of the available hotel provision has already been taken up, a refurbishment programme is underway to adapt larger empty buildings to suit the needs of families.

The Catholic Church has been helpful in this respect by making available the former seminary at Dublin’s Clonliffe College, which can house more than 600 people.

Up to 40 religious congregations across the country are also expected to offer adapted accommodation.

This degree of commitment and co-operation has not been so evident in the north, not through any lack of concern by the people here, but because of the UK government’s less welcoming attitude towards Ukrainian refugees.

While a Homes for Ukraine scheme is offering £350 a month to households agreeing to host a refugee, the complex, bureaucratic approach has been heavily criticised by many in the churches, parliament and the voluntary sector.

By this week a total of only 21,600 refugees had arrived in Britain, 15,000 of whom were allowed in because they already had family members there.

That less than enthusiastic approach has restricted the north’s ability to respond in the same way as the rest of Ireland.

An extension of the Dublin government’s approach north of the border would go a long way towards alleviating the suffering and hardship of those arriving on this island.

It would also demonstrate that our reputation as Ireland of the Welcomes does not apply to just part of the country.