Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
359. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of complaints received regarding hosts seeking additional or “top-up” payments from beneficiaries of the accommodation recognition payment; the number of investigations initiated; the outcomes of such investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23160/26]
View answer360. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the enforcement mechanisms in place to prevent inappropriate additional charges under the accommodation recognition payment; the number of inspections or audits carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23161/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) was introduced to recognise the contribution of members of the public who have opened their homes to provide accommodation to people displaced by the war in Ukraine. The scheme is provided for under Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 and is administered by the Department of Social Protection on my behalf.
A person providing accommodation on a commercial basis to a person or persons granted temporary protection is ineligible to participate in the ARP scheme. The ARP is not a rent subsidy, and it is not payable where there is a rental agreement in place between the host and the temporary protection beneficiary residing in the property. The payment does not create any obligation for the beneficiaries in the accommodation, such as payment of rent or provision of services, however, the beneficiaries may agree to contribute towards the cost of utilities.
The ARP does not create a landlord and tenant relationship between the accommodation host who has qualified for the financial contribution and a temporary protection beneficiary living in the accommodation, and it does not give a person residing in the property an automatic right to tenancy.
I am aware of concerns that have been raised in relation to additional payments, described as "top ups", being made by people granted temporary protection to ARP applicants. The legislation is silent in relation to such matters. If such payments are being made, that is a matter between the parties concerned. My Department does not track complaints in relation to such matters and it has not initiated any investigations or audits such as those described by the Deputy.
The Government continues to keep the operation of the ARP scheme under review.
