Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to get the opportunity to speak on this very important issue this evening. I am totally opposed to the scheme because it is clear that it is radically distorting the private rental market. It is essentially a form of preferential treatment that is not available to renters in other categories. The problem with the scheme is that it is divisive. From the launch of the scheme in July 2022 to 3 March 2025, approximately €256 million has issued to more than 22,600 hosts in respect of hosting almost 5,300 temporary protection beneficiaries. As of 3 March 2025, there were almost 20,000 active claims in payment in respect of hosting almost 37,000 temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine. Now that the ceasefire is in place and a peace deal looks increasingly likely for Ukraine, it is time for us to actively encourage Ukrainians who can return home to do so. Everybody knows we have a housing emergency and we need those rooms for our own rental market.

I also want to highlight the issue of a contribution towards accommodation. It is shameful that fully employed or self-employed IPAS applicants are not being asked to contribute a single cent towards the cost of their accommodation. I discovered this last year through a series of parliamentary questions and it was confirmed to me yet again in a recent follow-up question. Why is this level of double standard being allowed to persist? Those on the housing assistance payment, HAP, who work must contribute towards the cost of their accommodation. Why does that not apply in the same way to IPAS applicants? It is very unfair.

I am aware of many people who are in receipt of HAP who work part time, who are doing their best and who have young families, yet they are asked to contribute, which they willingly and wholeheartedly do, while IPAS applicants are not asked to contribute a single cent. That is fundamentally wrong and it must be changed quickly because it is creating a lot of anger, frustration and division. I ask the Government to change this because it is blatant discrimination and unfairness towards our own people who are desperately trying to work. I am aware of many parents who work part time. They are trying to keep their children in school or in college. They are doing their level best and yet they are contributing towards their accommodation, which is only right and fair, but they see others in the IPAS system who are not contributing a cent. That is totally unfair. I ask for a change in that regard.

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