Sligo TD expresses concern with Ukrainian refugees being given preferential treatment when accessing return-to-work schemes.

Sligo/Leitrim Deputy Marc MacSharry has raised concerns over Ukrainian refugees being given preferential treatment over Irish people when accessing State-supported return-to-work schemes.

The Sligo based Independent TD claims it is “discriminatory” that Ukrainians only need to be unemployed for nine months to gain access to community ­employment schemes while Irish citizens must wait a full year.

During the interview the former Fianna Fáil TD gave his reaction to speculation that current tensions between government parties could lead to a general election in November.