Posted by I wrote about the amount of social welfare a refugee who is a single mother could expect to obtain with 3 children having never worked in Ireland, I think it is important to circle back to Jozef Puska who murdered Ashling Murphy in cold blood. Facts are important, Jozef Puska’s and his brothers Marek Puska and Lubomir Puska moved to Ireland in 2013. At the time of Jozef Puska’s trial it was entered into evidence that Jozef Puska’s and his brothers did not work in Ireland. Jozef Puska and his immediate family lived in a 5 bedroom council house in Mucklagh, near Tullamore, County Offaly. This was described in multiple reports as “secured shortly before the murder” and referred to in commentary as “free” or state-provided social housing. Jozef Puska personally received disability benefit (Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension equivalent), reported around €166 per week (approx. €680–€720 monthly. It was was reported in 2025 in court related coverage that the broader Puska extended family household (including Jozef, his wife Lucia Istokova, his brothers Marek and Lubomir Puska, their wives, and a total of 14 children across the group) received over €2,500 per week in social welfare. One breakdown in discussions referenced high child related payments due to the large number of children (e.g., estimates of €40,000+ annually in child supports alone for 14 kids). The family would also be entitled to free medical cars, and all the other social welfare benefits despite being unemployed. Over their 10–12 stay in Ireland They potentially received €1.3–€1.5 million+ in total payments to the extended household (very approximate; rates increased gradually, e.g., core benefits rose from €188/week in 2013 to €244–€254 by 2025/2026, and child numbers grew). And now it is costing Ireland again to keep them in prison. Jozef Puska No fixed term, Could serve 15–30+ years or more Projected future (e.g., if serves another 10 years minimum) €990,000+ (total potentially €1–3 million+ over decades, adjusted for inflation). Marek Puska (brother; 30 months / 2.5 years sentence) With 25% remission: serves 22.5 months (1.875 years). Estimated total cost: €185,000–€186,000 Lubomir Puska (brother; 30 months / 2.5 years sentence) Estimated total cost: €185,000–€186,000 Viera Gaziova (Lubomir’s wife. Sentences reported as 24–30 months, varying slightly by source using 24 months as common) With 25% remission: serves 18 months (1.5 years). Estimated total cost: €148,500–€149,000. Jozefina Grundzova (Marek’s wife Sentences reported as 21–27 months—using 21 months as lower end in some reports) With 25% remission: serves 15.75 months (1.31 years). Estimated total cost: €130,000. Lucia Istokova (Jozef’s wife 20 months sentence) With 25% remission serves 15 months (1.25 years). Estimated total cost: €123,800–€124,000. Long term family total for prison costs (if Jozef serves e.g., 20 years total) Could exceed €2–3 million+ (highly variable; life sentences often cost millions per person over time). Estimate for Puska’s trial defence Free Legal Aid (taxpayer cost) Likely €400,000–€800,000+ Estimate for the five family members’ defence Likely €200,000–€500,000+ total Overall Estimate for All Parties (Entire Family Cases) Lowend estimate: €600,000 – €1 million total taxpayer funded legal aid across all defendants. Higher realistic estimate: €800,000–€1.5 million+, accounting for full teams, duration, and 2023/2025 payouts to key lawyers involved in Puska-related matters. This excludes prosecution costs (State-funded separately via DPP/Courts Service) or any ongoing appeal elements for Jozef Puska. Jozef Puska has filed an appeal against his conviction for the murder of Ashling Murphy. He was granted legal aid for the appeal in April 2024 by the Court of Appeal. A hearing date has been set for April 23 and 24, 2026, in the Court of Appeal (confirmed in December 2025 by Court of Appeal President Ms Justice Caroline Costello). This could be another €400 – €800 K + in legal fees. It would be safe to say that the Puska family cost the state of Ireland over €9-€10 Million euros for their time here. Bearing in mind that an EU citizen moving to Ireland who does not work is generally not entitled to claim most social welfare benefits immediately or automatically, especially means-tested social assistance payments. EU free movement rules (under Directive 2004/38/EC, implemented in Ireland via the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015) allow EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to live in Ireland without a visa or work permit, but access to welfare is restricted to prevent becoming an “unreasonable burden” on the social assistance system. Initial Period (First 3 Months / 90 Days) A person has an automatic right to reside in Ireland for up to 90 days. During this time, the person cannot claim social assistance (means-tested payments like Jobseeker’s Allowance, Supplementary Welfare Allowance, or most disability/invalidity supports) unless in exceptional circumstances. The person must support themselves (e.g., through savings, private income, or family support) and have comprehensive health insurance to avoid becoming a burden. If a person arrive specifically to look for work, they are explicitly not entitled to claim social welfare while job-seeking in the first period. After 3 Months (Longer-Term Residence)To stay beyond 90 days, A person must qualify under one of the EU categories, such as being employed or self-employed (even part-time or low-hours; no minimum income threshold, but genuine work). Being a student with sufficient resources and health insurance. Being self-sufficient (enough funds + comprehensive sickness insurance to not burden the system). Being a family member of someone in one of the above categories. If a person does not fall into these (e.g., arrive and remain without working, without sufficient private resources, or without qualifying work history), The person right to reside can be limited or revoked if you rely on social assistance. So the big question is why was the Pusku family allowed to reside here for so long without being deported. Had the family been deported Ashling Murphy would still be alive and the state would be €10 million euros better off.
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Who Watches the Watchers? 