Irish News - Accommodation Payment for Ukrainian Hosts to Be Reduced

The Government is set to reduce the monthly Accommodation Recognition Payment from €800 to €600 for individuals providing housing to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The change is expected to come into effect within the next three months, allowing time for hosts to prepare.

The measure, due to be presented to Cabinet by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, is aimed at lessening the potential impact on the wider rental market.

Although the payment is being reduced, the scheme itself is expected to be extended until March 2026, aligning with the duration of the EU's Temporary Protection Directive.

Established in 2022, the scheme was designed to recognise the generosity of homeowners who opened their doors to Ukrainians. To date, over €272 million has been paid out to 22,900 hosts.

According to Angie Gough, CEO of Helping Irish Hosts, there is growing concern among hosts about the proposed cut. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, she said:

"There are currently 39,000 Ukrainians staying in over 19,000 homes around Ireland, with more than half living closely alongside the host families."

Ms Gough also expressed frustration about how the proposed changes were communicated:

“It’s disappointing that such significant changes are being made without clear or timely communication to the people who stepped up when the State needed them most.”

She added that 73% of hosts rely on the payment to continue their support and urged the Government to consider a more gradual reduction.