Green Party calls for extension of Accommodation Recognition Payment on 4th Anniversary of Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Green Party calls for extension of Accommodation Recognition Payment on 4th Anniversary of Russian Invasion of Ukraine

The Green Party is calling on the Government to maintain its support for Ukraine through the continuation of the Accommodation Recognition Payment.

Speaking on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman TD joined in the Irish Red Cross’s call to extend the scheme which helps households to support Ukrainians fleeing the war by accommodating them in homes here in Ireland:

“Across the country, 41,789 people are living in 23,341 Irish households supported by the Accommodation Recognition Payment. The Minister has recently confirmed that he will extend the Accommodation Recognition Payment until March 2027, to align with the Temporary Protection Directive. However, He has not yet indicated if he will continue the rate at €600.”

Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, those people who came here from Ukraine, aren’t entitled to HAP or allowed to access homelessness services. The Department of Housing asked the RTB to undertake research to look at what impact the ending of the ARP would have on the already stretched rental market here, but there are no plans to publish that report.

Deputy O’Gorman continued:

“It is the view of the Green Party that, unless there is evidence of a meaningful negative impact on the rental market across the country, the ARP should be continued at the €600 rate.”

Green Party Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Cllr Janet Horner acknowledged the contribution that beneficiaries of temporary protection had made to their communities here, and also reiterated the party’s support for the continuing provision of non-lethal aid to Ukraine:

“It's hard to believe it has been 4 years since the shocking invasion of Ukraine happened. In that time so many lives have been lost and huge numbers of people have been displaced. Ireland has become home to tens of thousands of Ukrainian people and many of our communities are richer for their participation. 

On the fourth anniversary, we must renew our commitment to humanitarian support for Ukraine and Ukrainians and call again for meaningful engagement in peace resolution. The Green Party was proud to support this funding for Ukraine in both the Dail and the European Parliament.”

ENDS