Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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408. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to respond to queries raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31356/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) was introduced to recognise the contribution of people who have opened their homes on a humanitarian basis to provide accommodation to beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine. The scheme is in place until 31 March 2026.

From 1 June 2025, the monthly contribution rate is reduced from €800 to €600, with the first reduced amount payable in July. In accordance with the legislation governing the scheme, I received the consent of the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, and approval of the Oireachtas before making the order to reduce the payment (Statutory Instrument No. 228 of 2025).

This reduction seeks to mitigate any unintended impact on the private rental sector. It also reflects recent policy changes which aim to ensure that temporary and timebound supports for beneficiaries of temporary protection are proportionate and equitable.

I can confirm that no other changes have been made to the scheme. ARP does not create a landlord and tenant relationship between the accommodation host who has qualified for the financial contribution and the Ukrainians living in the accommodation, and it does not provide an automatic right to tenancy. ARP is not payable where a rental agreement is in place and a person providing accommodation on a commercial basis is ineligible to participate in the scheme.

Hosting arrangements are considered a private matter between the host and the beneficiaries of temporary protection living in the accommodation. Hosting arrangements can be terminated at any stage by either the host or the beneficiary if the arrangements are no longer satisfactory.

Any further scheme changes will be considered in the context of the continued whole-of-Government response to temporary protection.