Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Senators for their contributions and for taking the time to consider the motion to reduce the amount of the monthly contribution under the ARP scheme to people hosting beneficiaries of temporary protection. As provided by the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, the draft order laid before both Houses cannot be made law until a resolution approving the order has been passed by each House. Therefore, approval of the motion in Seanad Éireann today is essential to ensure that the monthly contribution will be reduced from €800 to €600. This will allow for a more standardised and sustainable response and address possible impacts on the rental market, and is also for reasons of equity. The reduction will 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, as has been borne out by Irish Red Cross research. As the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, mentioned, beneficiaries whose hosts wish to end their involvement in the scheme, for whatever reason, and who may require support will be provided with support. In recognition of the significant integration efforts, there will be many others who will make their own way into the communities in 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 concern raised by Senators today, particularly in relation to the possible displacement effect that the scheme has on a private rental market that is under extreme pressure. I note the proposed amendment put forward by Sinn Féin Senators 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 residences 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. In addition, 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. I note that a similar amendment was tabled in the Seanad in March, when the matter of the scheme’s extension was being considered. As the Minister, Deputy Foley, indicated at that time and as is acknowledged in the amendment, the matters raised in the proposed amendment 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 reduce the financial contribution.

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

With regard to so-called top-ups, the ARP does not create an obligation for the beneficiaries, such as a payment of rent or provision of services. However, a beneficiary may agree to contribute towards costs such as utilities. Such agreements are matters between the parties themselves. The Senators' 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 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 in the State's response to the Ukraine crisis in providing shelter to families in need. The ARP is acknowledged as an effective instrument of public policy and its 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 the concerns raised. I hope Members will support this motion.

As the Minister, Deputy Foley, confirmed when consideration was being given to extending the scheme, its operation will be the subject of monitoring across relevant Departments. Its future will need to be aligned with efforts to ensure proportionate supports in the wider context of ending the temporary protection directive.

I thank those in our communities who have welcomed Ukrainians into their homes and provided them with a safe space, support and stability. I record my appreciation of the work of the Irish Red Cross and its partners in mobilising and retaining pledged accommodation and supporting hosts and beneficiaries through their newsletters, webinars and casework support.

I confirm that I am not in a position to accept the amendments to the motion proposed by Sinn Féin. 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 Seanad today is essential to ensure the level of the monthly contribution under the ARP scheme is set at what is considered to be a more equitable rate and to better serve the public interest.