Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
32. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason the accommodation recognition payment is to be cut to €400 in September 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35789/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) was introduced to recognise the contribution of members of the public who have opened their homes to provide accommodation to temporary protection beneficiaries. The scheme is provided for under Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 and it is administered by the Department of Social Protection on my behalf.
The scheme was introduced as an emergency measure at a time of exceptional need and was originally due to end on 31 March 2023. To date, the scheme has been extended four times to align with extensions of the Temporary Protection Directive. It has now been extended to 31 March 2027 to enable an orderly and gradual winding down of the scheme with due regard to all those involved.
As we transition away from an emergency response, it is appropriate that we should consider and taper the level of support offered with a view to phasing the scheme out. It is my intention to reduce the monthly contribution rate to €400 later this year, returning it to its original rate set when the scheme was launched in 2022. Before making such a change, the governing legislation requires me to seek the consent of the Ministers for Social Protection and Public Expenditure to make the required order to amend the monthly contribution rate and to obtain the approval of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Further steps will be considered in due course to ensure an orderly exit from the scheme as part of wider planning for the end of Temporary Protection.
