Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not have much time but in that very short period, I reiterate my support for this earlier introduction of the ARP. I also commend my former Green Party colleague, Deputy O'Gorman, on his work in this regard. It is hugely important that this scheme continues. I note the Minister said today that all we are doing is extending it for a year and it is not about the wider discussion, so I take that on board. I agree with certain elements of the Sinn Féin amendment. The main thing I want to oppose is a reduction to the €600. That would be counterproductive. In the limited time given to me, I want to reiterate some of the points made by the likes of the Irish Red Cross in relation to this scheme. Some 85% or 86% of hosts reported that the ARP is important for them to keep providing the accommodation because there is a cost to them. More importantly, just 9% of the properties in this scheme were previously available for rent. That is the key point; they would not be there without this scheme, so we should keep it as it is and show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

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