Minister defends emergency payments to Ukrainian refugees for car repairs

Dara Calleary said the scheme 'covers a huge range of things, and it is open to every person in the state to apply for it. But it is subject to income tests, and it is not widespread'. File photo: Johnny Bambury

The minister for social protection has defended emergency payments to some Ukrainian refugees for car repairs.

Dara Calleary said such additional needs payments are available to anyone in the state and any applications for such payments are subject to rigorous scrutiny and that their use for car repairs is not widespread.