Immigration centres to get their own security

FIVE new immigration centres for Ukrainian refugees will have their own security, the Taoiseach has said.

The Government this week announced five new centres for Ukrainians in Dublin, Laois, Limerick, Kildare and Cork.

Several proposed refugee centres, mainly those that were to host international protection applicants rather than Ukrainians, have been the subject of attempted or successful arson attacks.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar yesterday said he believes there will be private security at these sites.

He said: ‘Yeah, of course there’s liaison with the gardaí any time a major accommodation centre is established, and we take the lead from them.

‘But also, most of these large centres will have some form of security of their own as well.

‘It’s part of the work of Government and the Department of Integration, to engage with local elected reps and also community leaders, just to let them know what’s happening because in the absence of information there can be an information void.

‘And then it’s in that scenario that, you know, rumours and false information can spread and thrive. So there will be engagement with local representatives and community leaders.

‘But I don’t anticipate we will have enormous difficulties when it comes to accommodation centres for Ukrainians... The real difficulties we’ve run into predominantly have been with international protection.’

Yesterday new rules came into effect meaning standard social welfare payments of €230 will no longer be available to Ukrainians while they are resident in designated accommodation centres.

Ukrainian refugees will now be entitled to a reduced weekly allowance of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child.