Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I should have taken the opportunity at the outset to congratulate all Senators on their election and to wish them well. I thank them all for their contributions and for taking the time to carefully consider the motion to extend the ARP scheme.

As provided for under the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, the draft order has been laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. It cannot be made law, however, until a resolution approving the order has been passed by each House. Therefore, approval of the motion by Seanad Éireann is essential to ensure the scheme does not lapse and continues for a further year. The scheme is the sole issue for consideration today. I am keenly aware from correspondence I received of the need for certainty for hosts and beneficiaries, who fear they will face a cliff edge as regards supports. This scheme's extension will give clarity and assurances 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 from their existing accommodation. If Senators vote down the scheme today, we are talking about 37,600 people who are currently beneficiaries who would be affected. That would be a regressive step for families who are integrating into 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 Senators, especially regarding the possible displacement effect the scheme has on the private rental market, which we all know is under extreme pressure. I note the proposed amendments to limit the extension of the scheme to beneficiaries of temporary protection covered by the scheme who satisfy a means test. It was 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. It was proposed to extend the scheme to applicants not in receipt of additional or top-up payments for beneficiaries. I oppose that. It appears that the matters raised in the proposed amendments to the ARP scheme would require an amendment to the primary legislation that established the scheme, namely, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022. Therefore, these are not matters that have a bearing on the motion under discussion, which is simply to extend the scheme and nothing more.

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. The payment is to the host in recognition of his or her generosity and not to the beneficiary. The payment is not intended to substitute rent. It is not available where a rental agreement is in place. The legislation is clear in this regard.

With regard to so-called top-ups, the ARP does not create any obligation for 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.

The amendment proposing 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 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 as an effective instrument of public policy that we cannot afford to lose at this point. It is in our collective interest to ensure this scheme does not fall. I hope Members will support the motion. Should the scheme be extended, its operation will be the subject of planning across the relevant Departments. 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. It was established at a time of crisis. It is better to have an opportunity to scale down the scheme in an orderly, considered fashion than to abruptly end it without due regard for all those involved.

As mentioned, and I appreciate the contributions regarding the moneys paid, it is intended to reduce the monthly ARP from €800 to €600 from June 2025, with the first reduction occurring in July. That decision was made following consultation with an agreement by the relevant Ministers. Such a reduction seeks to address concerns voiced here today and in other forums on the possible displacement effect the ARP is having on the private rental market. I confirm that research has been undertaken by the Department of housing on the impact, if any, of the ARP scheme on the private rental market. The findings of that research are likely to inform the scheme's future direction.

A draft order on the reduced payment will be brought before the Oireachtas shortly by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, following the transfer of functions. Again, I will be abundantly clear. I confirm that only one matter is under consideration here today and that is to extend the scheme. There is no reference to payment or funding. It is simply to extend the scheme. If Senators vote down the scheme, they will vote down the opportunity for 37,600 people to avail of their existing accommodation under it.

I sincerely thank all who have welcomed Ukrainians into their homes as a result of the ARP scheme and provided them with a safe space, human connection and a level of autonomy over their own lives and those of their families. I again record my appreciation of the work undertaken by the Irish Red Cross and its partners in mobilising pledged accommodation and supporting hosts and beneficiaries alike. I confirm I am not in a position to accept the amendments to the motion proposed today, as I already outlined. The draft order being considered cannot be made law until a resolution approving the order has been passed by each House. Therefore, Senators' approval of the motion is essential to ensure the continuation of the scheme for a further year.