Protest over bid to move group of vulnerable Ukrainians

Demonstrators have gathered outside Citywest in opposition to the Government's plan to end the provision of housing for a group of vulnerable Ukrainians. The Ukrainian Ministry of Justice announced earlier this year that it would be phasing out the State-funded accommodation for Ukrainians with disabilities or medical issues. Today, a group of around 200 such individuals demonstrated at the entrance to the complex, expressing their concern over the impending eviction.

The Department of Justice has stated that vulnerable individuals can apply for accommodation at a State-supported center elsewhere. However, many protest participants reported difficulties with the application process, with some being denied housing despite clear medical needs and others receiving unsuitable accommodations. Labour leader Ivana Bacik attended the protest, urging the Minister for Justice to use their compassion and humanity to prevent the displacement of these vulnerable people.

She highlighted the heartbreaking stories of children with special needs, wheelchair users, and individuals with severe medical conditions who rely on the medical support and services provided at Citywest.

Bacik noted that the application process for State-provided accommodation is cumbersome, with many people either failing to submit their applications or being denied. Even those who have been offered accommodation have expressed dissatisfaction with the suitability of the living arrangements. Labour Councillor Joanna Tuffy also attended the demonstration, citing the example of a particular family.

The father and daughter are both wheelchair users and are being relocated to Offaly, with the child having to leave their special school. Tuffy criticized the lack of individual assessments and the "one-size-fits-all" approach by the Department of Justice, emphasizing the short timeframe and lack of appeal options.