Politics watch: Refugee supports, calls for Gaza ceasefire
James Cox
Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate Dáil proceedings in the coming week.
Refugee supports
The Government has announced changes to supports for Ukrainian refugees, and it is likely to be a key topic of Dáil discussion.
The changes, which will come into force at the end of January, will see State accommodation being provided to arriving Ukrainians for a maximum of 90 days, where it had previously been provided without limit.
The changes are not opposed in any big way by any of the opposition parties. However, whether they will lead to more homelessness will be a topic of discussion.
Speaking on Friday, Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien would not clarify whether he expected homeless figures to rise in response to the cut to support for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland.
Earlier, Ukraine’s ambassador to Ireland said she understands the Government’s decision to cut support for people fleeing Russia’s invasion.
The Government has provided State accommodation to Ukrainians arriving in Ireland for an unlimited amount of time, and a weekly social welfare rate of €220 a week, since the war broke out in February 2022.
Last week ministers agreed that from the end of January, State accommodation will only be provided for up to 90 days.
During that period, arrivals will be paid a €38.80 subsistence allowance and an additional €29.80 per child per week; once they leave State accommodation they are entitled to apply for social welfare.
No changes are being made for the 100,000 Ukrainian nationals who are already living in Ireland.
Calls for Gaza ceasefire
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was early among EU leaders in calling for a cease in hostilities in Gaza.
Speaking after a European Commission meeting this week, he reiterated these calls.
Mr Varadkar has said there is a “very clear majority” but not unanimity in the EU for a ceasefire in Gaza, a day after saying the bloc had “lost credibility” on the issue.
Despite this strong stance, opposition parties, led by Sinn Féin have said the Government has not gone far enough.
They lost a Dáil motion over the expulsion of Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich, while the Government has also dismissed calls to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Abroad
British prime minister Rishi Sunak narrowly won a vote on the UK government's controversial Rwanda legislation this week.
He faces pressure from the right wing of the Conservative Party, and the opposition, led by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. That will continue, and likely intensify, in the coming week.
In the United States, president Joe Biden has started to turn against Israel's relentless bombing of Gaza. He has said their assaults on Hamas need to be more targeted, and the EU's calls for a Gaza ceasefire will likely be on his mind.