Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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237. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to clarify the planned changes to the accommodation recognition payment for those hosting Ukrainian families due to come in on 31 March 2025. [8213/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme is currently in place until 31 March 2025.

The scheme was introduced to recognise the generosity of private individuals who provide accommodation on a humanitarian basis to beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine.

As the Temporary Protection Directive has been extended to 4 March 2026, consideration is being given to the extension of the scheme. A decision will be made shortly.

The legislation that established the scheme, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, requires me to consult with the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform before I can make an order to extend the scheme termination date.

The Act of 2022 also requires, where such an order is proposed to be made, that a draft of the order be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and that the order shall not be made until a resolution approving the draft has been passed by each House of the Oireachtas.

I believe that the scheme has made a positive impact in supporting beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine and towards their independent living and integration.

The scheme has supported my Department in meeting the accommodation needs of those fleeing the war, and has diverted thousands of beneficiaries away from State-supported accommodation, which are generally unsuitable for long-term stays, particularly for families raising children.

I am grateful to the thousands of people in Ireland who have hosted beneficiaries and continue to do so.