Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
899. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of claimants who are currently in receipt of the accommodation recognition payment; the total cost of payments made under this scheme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1425/23]
View answer900. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of Ukrainian refugees who are currently known to be accommodated by persons who are currently in receipt of the accommodation recognition payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1426/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 899 and 900 together.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment is available to individuals hosting people who are beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who have fled the conflict in Ukraine. The rate of payment increased from €400 per calendar month to €800 per calendar month with effect from 1 December 2022.
The payment is a recognition of the generosity of people who have made accommodation available to victims of a humanitarian crisis, and it is linked to a minimum hosting commitment of six months.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment is administered by my Department on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and I am happy to support Minister O’Gorman in recognising the contribution of those who opened their homes and houses to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
As at 16 January 4,274 individual hosts are in receipt of the Accommodation Recognition Payment. 8,969 people who are beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are currently being hosted by people in receipt of the payment. To date, €13.9 million has been paid to recipients of the payment.
I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
