Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the members of the committee and appreciate them making time to let me move and discuss this motion today. The proposal I am bringing forward for the committee's consideration is an order to extend the termination date of the financial contribution scheme for hosts of beneficiaries of temporary protection, BOTPs, from Ukraine, known as the accommodation recognition payment, ARP. The scheme commenced last July and, where relevant, payments were back-dated to last March. I increased the monthly payment to hosts from €400 to €800 with effect from 1 December. To date, in excess of €18 million has been paid to more than 6,000 hosts in respect of more than 13,000 BOTPs. Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 introduced the scheme with a termination date of 31 March 2023. That date reflected the duration of temporary protection provided under Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001, the temporary protection directive, which was activated by Council Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022.

In a continued spirit of unity with and support for the Ukrainian government and its citizens, the European Commission has extended temporary protection until March 2024. It is therefore appropriate to make an order to extend the ARP scheme termination date to the end of March 2024. Section 4(2) of the Act of 2022 enables me to make such change to a date considered appropriate, following consultation with the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. I can confirm to the committee that I have consulted my two ministerial colleagues. In changing the scheme termination date, I was mindful of the need to continue to provide for a financial contribution to assist in maintaining, if not increasing, the availability of accommodation for temporary protection beneficiaries. I thank all who have welcomed those fleeing Ukraine into their homes, and provided them with shelter, a safe space and a level of autonomy over their own lives. The Act of 2022 requires a draft order to be laid before and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The motion was placed on the Seanad Order Paper for 16 February and on the Dáil Order Paper for 21 February. That concludes my statement. If I can be any further assistance to Deputies in answering questions, I will do so.