Social Welfare Branch Managers Awarded €1.425 Million in Extra Pay Amidst Ukraine Refugee Crisis

The Department of Social Protection has come under fire for awarding €1.425 million in extra payments to social welfare branch managers in 2022. The payments, described as “one-off” lump sums, were made in recognition of the increased workload faced by managers supporting Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.

Internal documents reveal the immense pressure placed on branch offices, with staff overwhelmed by a surge in demand for services. Language barriers and limited access to information forced refugees to rely heavily on these offices, leading to increased phone calls, office visits, and staffing needs.

“They are placing huge demands on the branch offices; they call regularly and in high numbers to the offices for a multiplicity of needs and this is putting additional pressure on [staff],” stated an internal email.

Managers were also grappling with rising costs associated with working extended hours from home, including energy and utility bills. The Department acknowledged these challenges, highlighting the need for additional support in a paper outlining the ex-gratia payments.

The payments, ranging from €16,000 to €51,000, were intended to compensate managers for their commitment and address the financial strain caused by the influx of Ukrainian refugees.

However, the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) criticized the department for failing to properly justify the payments. The C&AG’s report stated that a detailed assessment outlining the necessity of the top-up payments was lacking, calling the funding a “significant enhancement” to an existing pay structure.

In response, the Department of Social Protection has pledged to consult with the Department of Public Expenditure on future contract terms and governance for branch office managers to ensure proper financial oversight.

This incident raises important questions about the management of public funds and the need for transparent and accountable decision-making processes, especially during times of crisis.

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