Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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1330. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the continuation of the accommodation recognition payment (ARP) for Ukrainian refugees; whether the scheme is to continue; if not, what will happen to persons currently accommodated under the ARP, considering the payment is due to be discontinued on 31 March 2025, but may be renewed upon review by the Department and the payment is an important part of household budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10980/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme is currently in place until 31 March 2025. However, the scheme may be extended by Ministerial order, subject to Oireachtas approval.

In making an order to extend the scheme, I am required under the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Act of 2022) to have regard to the need to continue to make provision for a financial contribution to assist in increasing the availability of accommodation for temporary protection beneficiaries.

This scheme is an important instrument of public policy that has supported my Department in meeting the accommodation needs of those fleeing the war. It has also diverted thousands of beneficiaries away from State-contracted accommodation.

Section 4(2) of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 enables me to make such change to a date considered appropriate, following consultation with the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. I can confirm that I have undertaken those consultations and that both Ministers support the scheme’s extension to March 2026 to mirror the extension of the Temporary Protection Directive.

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 wish to confirm the a draft order to extend the scheme to March 2026 has been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and will shortly be considered in each House. Accordingly, I hope to have a positive resolution by the end of the month to enable me to make an order to extend the scheme.