Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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560. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of housing units being paid for by the State for Ukrainian refugees, in 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35463/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the response to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis of the war breaking out in Ukraine, the State contracted for a variety of different commercial properties to meet the needs of people fleeing the war who have been granted temporary protection in Ireland.

All accommodation contracted by my department is temporary in nature, and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) are advised of this when requesting emergency accommodation.

The number of contracts varies over time. At the end of 2024, approximately 716 contracts were in operation providing State-contracted temporary accommodation to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine. Currently 670 contracts remain in operation. This contracted accommodation capacity includes beds in hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.

By the end of 2024, 10 Rapid Build sites had been delivered comprising 572 homes with a combined capacity of 2,312 residents. A further 82 homes will be delivered in 2025 which can accommodate a further 328 persons fleeing the war in Ukraine. Although these units have been provided by the State, residents of the rapid build units pay a contribution per household of 16% of their income and a flat utilities charge of €40 per week.

The State also supports people fleeing the war in hosted accommodation through the provision of the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme. The scheme involves a monthly financial contribution recently reduced to €600 per month to hosts offering accommodation on a humanitarian basis.

Due to the nature of the scheme, the number of claims may fluctuate over time. At the start of 2024, over 20,600 people were accommodated in some 10,200 properties supported by ARP. By the end of 2024, this had risen to some 34,800 people accommodated in some 18,600 properties.

As of 23 June 2025, approximately 39,400 people are accommodated in some 21,600 properties supported by ARP.