Decision Imminent on Changes to Accommodation Recognition Payment for Ukrainian Refugees
Minister for Migration Jim O’Callaghan has announced that a decision regarding potential changes to the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) for hosting Ukrainian refugees will be made by the end of February. He said there would be “changes” made in respect of it.
The ARP, a tax-free monthly payment of €800, is provided to individuals who offer accommodation to Ukrainians arriving in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive.
Key Points:
- The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP): A tax-free monthly payment of €800 for each property accommodating Ukrainian refugees. The payment increased to €800 per month from December 1, 2022.
- Scheme Expiration: The current scheme is set to expire on March 31st. However, the scheme may be extended by Order of the Minister for Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
- Ministerial Decision: Minister O’Callaghan stated that changes “will be made” and that the decision will be finalized and announced by the end of February.
- Temporary Protection Directive: While the EU Temporary Protection Directive has been extended to March 2026, the ARP for hosts has not yet been extended.
- Scheme Impact: As of last week, the State has paid out €239 million to 22,399 accommodation providers for accommodating 49,840 Ukrainians under the directive since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Currently, around 36,000 people are accommodated by roughly 19,000 Irish hosts as part of the scheme.
Background and Context:
The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) was introduced to acknowledge the generosity of people who opened their homes to provide accommodation to Ukrainian refugees. The payment is designed to support those providing accommodation for at least 6 months, provided the accommodation meets the required standards.
The payment is made on the second Tuesday of each month via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) to the nominated bank account.
Minister of State Emer Higgins mentioned earlier this month that a decision on extending the scheme was a “top priority” and would be made “in the next couple of weeks“. She also indicated that the scheme could potentially be extended by a ministerial order, without requiring new legislation.
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Matt Carthy TD, called on the government to put in place a plan to end the unfair Accommodation Recognition payment (ARP) for Ukrainians when the current scheme expires on 31st March. Deputy Carthy said the payment was distorting the rental sector putting ordinary renters at a severe disadvantage when trying to secure rental accommodation in their home areas when landlords can get €800 tax free under the ARP scheme.
