Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the contributions of all Deputies. I thank them for taking the time to carefully consider this motion to extend the ARP scheme. It would be remiss of me, however, if I did not mention in particular the former Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and acknowledge his sterling work in this area and in the provision of care for Ukrainians. I wish to put that on the record.

As provided for under the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, the draft order laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas cannot be made law until a resolution approving the order has been passed by each House. Therefore, approval of the motion in Dáil Éireann today is essential to ensure that the scheme does not lapse and that it continues for a further year. That is the sole issue for consideration today: to extend the scheme until 2026. I advise Deputies that if they vote against the motion, they are voting against the opportunity to extend the scheme until March 2026. That is the sole provision in the motion today.

I am keenly aware from correspondence I have received of the need for certainty for hosts and for beneficiaries who fear that they will face a cliff edge in terms of supports. This scheme's extension will give clarity and assurance to those involved.

I reiterate that failure to extend the scheme presents significant risks. Should the scheme fall, some 37,600 beneficiaries could potentially be displaced into an already pressurised rental market or face a return to State-contracted accommodation. The latter would be a regressive step for families who are integrating in communities and being given a sense of agency. Moreover, it would represent a significant cost to the State and have an adverse impact on the tourism sector.

I acknowledge the concerns raised by Deputies today, in particular the possible displacement effect the scheme has on the private rental market. I note that Deputy Carthy's proposed amendment to limit the extension of the scheme to beneficiaries of temporary protection covered by the scheme who satisfy a means test. It is also proposed to restrict the scheme to applicants intending to host beneficiaries in their own residence, and who have not availed of the rent-a-room scheme in the previous 12 months, so as not to affect the private rental sector. Finally, it is proposed to extend the scheme to applicants not in receipt of any additional or top-up payments from a beneficiary. I oppose the amendment to the motion.

The matters raised in the proposed amendments to the ARP scheme would require an amendment to the primary legislation that established the scheme, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022. They are therefore not matters that have a bearing on the motion under discussion, which is simply to extend the scheme - nothing more and nothing less.

On the issue of means testing for beneficiaries, it is important to note that the ARP is a goodwill payment to recognise the valued contribution of those who have opened their homes to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

With regard to so-called top-ups, the ARP does not create any obligation on beneficiaries in the accommodation, such as payment of rent or provision of services. However, a beneficiary may agree with a host to contribute towards certain household costs such as utilities.

Deputy Carthy's amendment to limit the scheme to those hosting in their primary residence would result in reduced availability of accommodation for beneficiaries in need of shelter. It would preclude unoccupied homes offered through the "Offer a Home" scheme, such as holiday homes, which have been a valuable source of accommodation.

It is clear that the scheme has been responsible for introducing an accommodation stream that would not have been otherwise available, and which has been a vital element of the State's response to the Ukraine crisis in providing shelter to families who have lost their homes.

The accommodation recognition payment is acknowledged to be an effective instrument of public policy which we cannot afford to lose at this point. It is in our collective interest to ensure the scheme does not fail. I hope Members will support the motion, which is simply to extend the scheme. Should the scheme be extended, its operation will be the subject of planning across the relevant Departments and, as I said, the future of the scheme will need to be reflected in the wider context of considering what comes after the temporary protection directive.

On another note, the draft order on the reduced payment will shortly be brought before the Oireachtas by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, following the transfer of functions. The issue of reduced payment and otherwise will be a matter for the Minister for Justice in due course. It is not on the agenda today and is not part of the motion. The purpose of today is simply to extend the scheme, no more and no less. Members should be advised of that when they consider how they will vote. I confirm that I am not in a position to accept the amendment to the motion proposed today. The draft order being considered cannot be made law until a resolution approving the order has been passed by each House. Therefore, approval of the motion by the Dáil today is essential to ensure the continuation of the scheme for a further year, no more, no less.

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