Taoiseach says €4bn Covid fund can be raided to help Ukrainians settle in Ireland

A group of people, who have fled Ukraine, stand in a line after arriving at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland, on Sunday, March 13, 2022. Picture: Daniel Cole/AP

A €4bn fund to help the country through the Covid-19 pandemic can be diverted to cover the cost of providing homes and services for up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing war, the Taoiseach has said.

Micheál Martin said €1bn of the fund, set aside in Budget 2022, has already been spent, but the remainder is available to use on accommodation and services for incoming Ukrainians.