Businesses should be financially supported by Government if they employ a Ukrainian refugee, according to Fine Gael Senator Garret Ahearn.
Senator Ahearn has suggested Government should subsidise 50% of their wages up to €416 per week.
He said this would be in line with the current rate of social welfare of €208, which is provided to all Ukrainian refugees at the moment when they enter the State.
He said: “There is expected to be almost 40,000 Ukrainian refugees here by the end of this month and many are eager to get employment and start a new life.
“Since the country has returned to normality, post-covid, we have experienced a major shortage of staff in a wide range of sectors from hospitality, construction, transportation to healthcare.
“So many of the people arriving in Ireland are very qualified, speak excellent English and willing to work if given the opportunity.
“If the Government did support businesses with 50% of their wages up to €416 per week, this would have no extra cost to the exchequer because the state already pays every refugee from Ukraine job seekers allowance of €208 per week.”
Under an EU Temporary Protection Directive, Ukrainians arriving here are granted permission to reside in Ireland for one year, which may be extended.
Ukrainian refugees get full access to the labour market, without the need to apply for a work permit.
He added: “Having employment with a local business whether it’s a butchers, creche, hotel or restaurant would greatly benefit their ability to integrate into a new community.”
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