Ireland can afford to take in Ukrainian refugees, McGrath says

The Minister for Public Expenditure said that the prospect of 100,000 refugees coming into the country could have significant cost implications across a range of departments

Michael McGrath, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform: ‘The government will meet the costs associated with supporting Ukrainian people.’ Picture: Fergal Phillips

Ireland can “afford” whatever the cost will be of taking in Ukrainian refugees, the Minister for Public Expenditure has said.

Michael McGrath said that the prospect of 100,000 refugees coming into the country could have significant cost implications, but that a final figure could not yet be estimated.

“The costs will be significant. It is not possible yet to make the considered estimate of what it will be. Much depends on the number of people ...