Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2023
518. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to expand the accommodation recognition payment scheme to include properties which are owned by a trust or a charity and currently fall outside the qualifying criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8820/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accommodation Recognition Payment, provided under the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, is a tax-free monthly payment available to those providing accommodation to Ukrainians who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive since March 2022. The rate of payment doubled from €400 per property per month to €800 with effect from 1 December 2022. The scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection.
The payment is a recognition of the generosity of people who have made accommodation available to victims of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
There are no plans at present to amend the legislation to include properties that fall outside the eligibility criteria provided for under section 6 the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022.
The Scheme is due to end on 31 March 2023. The EU has extended the protections provided to those fleeing the war in Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive to the end of March 2024. In accordance with the governing legislation, I intend to make an Order to extend the scheme to the end of March 2024.
