Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
361. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of hosts removed from the accommodation recognition payment scheme due to non-compliance, including the reasons for such removals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23162/26]
View answer362. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the systems used to administer and track payments under the accommodation recognition payment scheme; and whether these systems allow for real-time monitoring of occupancy and compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23163/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 362 together.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme is provided for in Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022. The scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) on my behalf and the systems of that Department are used. A bespoke application process was developed in 2022. DSP successfully administers the scheme in accordance with the statutory requirements.
The system is not intended to monitor real-time occupancy. A host is eligible for payment for a calendar month where they have accommodated one or more people granted temporary protection and where they satisfy the scheme’s eligibility requirements. As a result, when people granted temporary protection move on from a hosting arrangement, the ARP case will be closed. A new ARP claim may open in respect of the same property if another person granted temporary protection avails of the hosted accommodation and the host again meets the scheme’s eligibility criteria.
DSP carries out a range of control measures. These include checks both at the award stage and subsequent reviews. Control reviews include data matching with departmental and other records, seeking confirmation of ongoing eligibility from claimants, and home visits by Social Welfare Inspectors where this is considered necessary.
My Department is satisfied that appropriate control measures are applied to maximise compliance with the terms of the scheme.
