Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 March 2025
424. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it is her intention to ban additional payments by a beneficiary of temporary protection to an accommodation recognition payment application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13098/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP), which is provided for under Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, is paid in recognition of the generosity of those who host. It is not intended to substitute rent. The legislation is silent in terms of additional contributions requested by the host provided this does not constitute a rental agreement. However, a host may agree with beneficiaries in the accommodation to have certain costs such as utilities covered by them.
The requirements of the scheme are quite clear. Where a rental agreement is in place, ARP will not be payable to a host as provided for in section 6(1)(e) of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022. Section 6(4) of the Act of 2022 defines a rental agreement as “an agreement or arrangement under which one party grants to the other party a right to occupy all or part of a dwelling, subject to the payment of money by that other party to the first-mentioned party.”
The Government continues to keep the operation of the scheme under review.
