A LIMERICK politician told the Dáil that he has a big problem with Ukrainian people who are being put up by the State and “take it to another level”.
During a draft proposal to extend the termination date of the financial contributions scheme for hosts of temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine, known as the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP), Independent TD Richard O’Donoghue voiced his concerns.
He made the claim to Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Norma Foley that there are people coming to Ireland that have two or three properties.
“Irish people cannot find housing for themselves and people coming here from other countries to work cannot get accommodation. People who come into this country and are subsidised by the State must be subject to a means test. If that were the case, we could house people who need accommodation and help those who need funding for housing to access it,” Deputy O’Donoghue insisted.
“I know many Ukrainian people who have come here and are working. They have integrated into society and have made a life for themselves here. I wish them the best of luck. They are integrated and they are helping society. That is 100 per cent the case.”
However, the County Limerick TD went on to claim, a minority of people who come to this country say they are one thing but their financials show a different story.
“That is not helping the people from Ukraine or anywhere else. Neither is it helping the Irish people. Let us introduce measures to help the vulnerable but also deal with the people who have the funds to help themselves,” he said.
The ARP is a tax-free payment of €800 per month for each property used to provide accommodation to refugees from Ukraine. The accommodation must be provided for at least six months and meet the required standards.
To date, there have been almost 3,400 properties allocated under the offer a home scheme to accommodate more than 10,340 beneficiaries.
Minister Foley pointed out to Deputy O’Donoghue that the ARP is a goodwill payment to recognise the valued contribution of those who have opened their homes to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
“With regard to so-called top-ups, the ARP does not create any obligation on beneficiaries in the accommodation, such as payment of rent or provision of services. However, a beneficiary may agree with a host to contribute towards certain household costs such as utilities,” the Minister explained.
