I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2)) (Scheme Termination Date) Order 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 23rd February, 2026. I thank the Members of Dáil Éireann for making time today to discuss this motion concerning the order the Minister, Deputy Jim O’Callaghan, and I propose to make. The motion is to extend the termination date of the financial contribution scheme for hosts of temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine, known as the accommodation recognition payment, ARP, scheme. The extension of the scheme is the only item for consideration today. The ARP scheme was introduced at the outset of the greatest crisis in Europe since the Second World War, which has seen 125,000 people from Ukraine seek temporary protection in Ireland. Sole reliance on accommodation procured from the hospitality sector was not a sustainable response to the needs of those seeking accommodation. Thousands of Irish households generously offered shelter, safety and warmth to those fleeing conflict in Ukraine. The ARP scheme was introduced in July 2022 to recognise the valued contribution of those who opened their homes to provide shelter to people seeking temporary protection in Ireland. It involves a tax-free monthly payment of €600 per property used to accommodate beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine, irrespective of whether the property is vacant or shared with the host. The scheme’s monthly rate is not linked to the costs incurred by the person providing accommodation. It is merely intended to recognise the valuable contribution of those who host. It should be noted that the ARP scheme does not apply where there is a rental agreement in place and is not intended to substitute for rent. When the ARP scheme was introduced, the monthly payment rate was set at €400 per property. The rate was subsequently increased to €800 from 1 December 2022 to coincide with the introduction of the offer-a-home scheme. The offer-a-home scheme is administered by local authorities in conjunction with the Local Government Management Agency and has been invaluable in making mainly holiday homes available as accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection. As we have moved from a crisis response, we have had to consider and taper our supports. As a result, the monthly payment rate was reduced from €800 to €600 in June 2025. This policy change was intended to mitigate the scheme’s perceived impact on the private rental market. The ARP scheme is due to end on 31 March 2026. However, it is intended to extend the scheme by ministerial order to 31 March 2027, subject to Oireachtas approval. This would mirror the extension of the application of the temporary protection directive to the war in Ukraine. It will also provide certainty to hosts and to those accommodated in hosted arrangements. This scheme is not only a means of recognising the part played by hosts, but has also been instrumental in supporting Ukrainians to integrate within local communities nationwide. It has been pivotal in diverting Ukrainian individuals and families away from State-contracted accommodation, which is often in hotels and guesthouses, allowing these beds to be returned to the hospitality sector. The scheme is also far more cost-effective for the Exchequer. The average cost of the ARP per person per night is €11, compared to €50 per night in commercial contracted accommodation. The scheme has allowed the Department to move away from a total reliance on tourism and hospitality settings. This has enabled the Department to consolidate its contracted accommodation portfolios. As the number in hosted accommodation has increased, the number in State-contracted accommodation has fallen from a high of almost 60,000 at the end of 2023 to under 20,000 at present. Since quarter 4 of 2024, the number of beneficiaries in hosted accommodation has exceeded those in contracted accommodation and continues to do so. To date, approximately €438 million has been paid to almost 28,000 recipients in respect of hosting over 64,000 temporary protection beneficiaries. Currently, some 42,000 Ukrainian citizens are being accommodated in more than 23,500 properties with the support of the scheme. I acknowledge the concerns previously expressed in this House about the potential impact of the ARP scheme on the private rental market. I recognise that it could be the case, particularly in some rural areas, that €600 a month tax-free may be more beneficial to an owner than making the property available on the rental market. However, a survey from the Irish Red Cross found that the vast majority of hosts, 91%, are not landlords and have no plan to become landlords. For many, the primary motivation has been solidarity with Ukraine. Rather than interfering with the rental market, the ARP scheme has been, I believe, responsible for introducing a stream of accommodation that would not otherwise have been available. That is a view expressed by a number of support organisations in submissions to the Department regarding an extension to the scheme. I reiterate that the payment is not a rent subsidy and is not available where there is a rental arrangement in place. However, I am aware of Deputies' concerns regarding the scheme’s potential impact on the private rental market, and steps have already been taken to address this. The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, brought forward by my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Browne, was recently enacted. Part 3 of this Act introduces changes to the eligibility criteria for the ARP scheme which are intended to safeguard rental properties for tenants. From 3 March 2026, properties that were registered with the Residential Tenancies Board at any time since 4 March 2022 will no longer qualify for the ARP scheme. Tenants will also no longer be eligible to apply for the scheme. This legislative change is intended to mitigate any impact the scheme may have on the private rental market. Should the scheme be extended, it is our intention to plan for a phased and orderly exit from the scheme. As I indicated in this Chamber last week, and subject to agreement at Government level, it is our intention to reduce the monthly payment rate to €400 later this year, returning it to its original rate. This should enable an orderly and gradual winding-down of the scheme with due regard to all those involved. Further steps will be considered in due course to ensure an orderly exit. More broadly, I can confirm that planning for the conclusion of temporary protection is actively under way. That work is being advanced by the senior officials group reporting to the Cabinet committee on justice, migration and social affairs. In addition to extending the directive, member states are considering measures for a co-ordinated transition out of temporary protection when the directive is no longer in force. Department officials are considering proposals made by the European Commission on these matters. While the ARP scheme is not without issues, an extension is required. Otherwise, it would risk placing significant pressures on an already strained private rental market. The potential loss of hosted accommodation risks displacing Ukrainian citizens, many of whom would be forced to compete in the private rental market or face precarious living conditions. Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 introduced the scheme with a termination date of 31 March 2023. That date reflected the duration of temporary protection under the 2001 Council directive. The directive has subsequently been extended a number of times and, each time, the ARP scheme has been extended to mirror those extensions. In a continued spirit of unity and support for Ukraine and its citizens, the European Commission has extended temporary protection until March 2027. It is therefore appropriate to make an order to extend the ARP scheme to the end of March 2027. Section 4(2) of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 allows us to make such a change to a date considered appropriate following consultation with the Ministers for Social Protection and public expenditure and reform. The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and I have undertaken those consultations and both those Ministers have expressed their support for the scheme's extension. In considering that extension, I was mindful of the need to continue to make provision for a financial contribution to assist in maintaining the availability of accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection. I want to be clear that the motion relates only to the extension of the scheme for a further year and nothing else. The 2022 Act requires a draft order to be laid before and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. Approval of the motion before Dáil Éireann today is essential to ensure the continuation of the scheme beyond March 2026. Should the scheme's extension be approved by the Oireachtas, we will continue to monitor it to ensure it remains fit for purpose and to allow for an orderly wind-down of the scheme to commence. I take this opportunity to thank all those who have been involved in hosting. They have done more than provide a room; they have provided a sense of belonging. I acknowledge the great work of the Irish Red Cross, the International Organization for Migration and the local authorities and other organisations that have supported hosting arrangements. I also recognise the great work done by local communities in how they have actively supported families to integrate through access to employment and education. The scheme has been a very effective instrument of public policy that we cannot afford to abruptly lose. Approval of this motion will provide certainty to all involved in hosting arrangements.

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