Man Compares Social Welfare Collection to Nazi Germany in Case

URGENT UPDATE: A man has sparked outrage by likening the Irish social welfare system to “Nazi Germany” during a discrimination case against the Department of Social Protection. Pavel Konosonok, aged 38, made these shocking claims at a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing today, asserting that being forced to collect unemployment benefits from a local post office instead of having them deposited directly into his bank account constitutes discrimination.

This explosive statement comes after Konosonok was mandated to pick up his payments from a post office in Athlone starting in September 2023, a shift from the electronic funds transfers (EFTs) he had received for over two years. The department’s decision to revert to post office payments follows the lifting of public health restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the hearing, Konosonok revealed that three jobseeker’s payments sent to the post office were never collected, leading to the suspension of his benefits. He claims this has resulted in homelessness and extreme hardship, stating, “Animals in the zoo would be treated better than I am at the moment.” His comments underscore the profound personal impact of this policy change, which he argues has left him destitute and desperate.

In a tense exchange with WRC adjudicator David James Murphy, Konosonok resisted explaining why he did not collect his payments, asserting, “I don’t have to explain.” He accused the department of treating him “less than human” and expressed concern that such treatment could lead to severe consequences for vulnerable individuals, stating, “I’m not surprised that some people commit suicide after dealing with social welfare.”

Konosonok’s claims extend beyond personal grievances; he alleges that the requirement to collect benefits in person discriminates against him on multiple grounds protected under the Equal Status Acts, including age, disability, and sexual orientation. He suggested that other groups, such as “Ukrainians,” are permitted to receive payments via EFT, raising questions about equitable treatment within the system.

Mark Rodgers, representing the Department of Social Protection, countered by emphasizing that the department has the legal authority to dictate payment methods under a 2007 statutory instrument. He argued that the complaint of discrimination lacks merit, as Section 14 of the Equal Status Act allows for actions required by legislation.

The hearing has been adjourned, with Konosonok given until October 27, 2023 to respond to the department’s submissions. A decision from Murphy is expected to follow shortly thereafter.

As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the treatment of vulnerable individuals within social welfare systems and the policies that govern payment distributions. The public and advocates alike will be closely watching for the WRC’s decision on this matter, which could have far-reaching implications for social welfare practices in Ireland.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.