Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
355. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeline for any proposed changes to the accommodation recognition payment, including any planned reduction in payment rates; when a final decision will be made; when it is intended that any such changes will take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23156/26]
View answer363. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will publish any briefing documents, memos or submissions prepared for him regarding the future of the accommodation recognition payment scheme since 1 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23164/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 363 together.
The Deputy will be aware that, in accordance with the requirements of the governing legislation, I have received Oireachtas approval to extend the ARP scheme by Ministerial Order to 31 March 2027. This mirrors the extension of the application of the EU's Temporary Protection Directive to the war in Ukraine. It will also provide certainty not only to hosts, but also to those accommodated in hosted arrangements.
It is my intention to plan for a phased and orderly exit from the scheme as part of a wider planning for the end of temporary protection. It is also my intention to reduce the monthly payment rate to €400 later this year, returning it to its original rate set when the scheme was launched in 2022. However, before doing so, I will complete the necessary statutory tasks to obtain the consent of the Ministers for Social Protection and for Public Expenditure and to again seek Oireachtas approval to make the required order. My objective is to enable an orderly and gradual winding down the scheme with due regard to all those involved.
