Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputies for their contributions and for taking the time to consider the motion to reduce the amount of the monthly contribution under the ARP scheme for people hosting beneficiaries of temporary protection. As provided by 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 that order has been passed by each House. Therefore, approval of the motion in Dáil Éireann is essential to ensure the monthly contribution is reduced from €800 to €600. This will allow for a more standardised and sustainable response and address the possible impacts, as I said earlier, on the rental market. It is also for reasons of equity. The reduction will also allow for an orderly wind-down of the scheme as we advance towards the end of the temporary protection directive in March next year.

While the impact of the reduced contribution is impossible to predict, I believe many hosts are involved in the ARP scheme for humanitarian reasons. This has been borne out by Irish Red Cross research. As I mentioned, beneficiaries whose hosts wish to end their involvement in the scheme for whatever reason and who may require support will be provided with that support. Clearly, and in recognition of significant integration efforts, there will be many others who will make their own way in communities into which they have become integrated. My Department will continue to track the scheme activity levels with assistance from the Department of Social Protection.

I acknowledge the concerns raised by Deputies, particularly in respect of the possible displacement effect the scheme has on the private rental market which is under extreme pressure.

I note the proposed amendment put forward by Deputy Carthy, which seeks 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 was proposed to extend the scheme to applicants not in receipt of any additional or top-up payments from the beneficiary. I oppose the amendment to the motion. I note that a similar amendment was tabled in the Dáil in March this year when the matter of the scheme's extension was being considered. As the Minister, Deputy Foley, indicated at the time and as acknowledged in the amendment itself, the matters raised in the proposed amendment to the ARP scheme would require an amendment to primary legislation that established the scheme in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022. They are therefore not matters that have a bearing on the motion under discussion here, which is simply to reduce the financial contribution.

On the issue of means testing for beneficiaries, it is important to note that the ARP is actually a goodwill payment to recognise the contribution of those who opened their homes to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. As I said in my earlier contribution, the payment is not intended to substitute for rent. It is not available where there has been a rental agreement in place. The legislation is very clear in this regard.

With regard to top-ups, the ARP does not create an obligation for beneficiaries such as payment of rent or the provision or services. However, a beneficiary may agree to make a contribution towards costs such as utilities. That is a matter for the parties themselves.

Deputy Carthy's amendment to limit the scheme to those hosting in their primary residence would result, I believe, 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 to the State's response to the Ukrainian crisis in providing shelter to families in need.

The ARP is acknowledged as an effective instrument of public policy and an extension to next March was recently approved by the Oireachtas. We now need to fine-tune the scheme in a balanced way to respond to concerns raised. I hope Members will support the motion. As the Minister, Deputy Foley, confirmed when consideration was being given to extending the scheme, its operation will be subject to monitoring by relevant Departments.

I thank those in our communities who welcomed Ukrainians into their homes and provided them with a safe space, support and stability. I also record my appreciation for the Irish Red Cross. I confirm that I am not in a position to accept the amendments to the motion as proposed by Deputy Carthy. The draft order being considered cannot be 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 level of monetary contribution under the ARP scheme is set at what is considered to be a more equitable rate and to better serve the public interest.

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