Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has said that the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) Scheme is squeezing ordinary workers out of the market.

Deputy Doherty raised the issue with Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien in the Dáil today.

Teachta Doherty said:

“The government’s ARP Scheme provides €800 per month to provide accommodation for Ukrainians, regardless of whether they are working and regardless of their income.

“The €800 payment is tax free to the landlord, meaning this is the equivalent of a landlord being paid rent of €1600 outside of this scheme.

“In areas where average rent is below this level, this scheme is squeezing ordinary renters out of the market.

“In February, when the government decided to extend this scheme to March 2026, Sinn Féin argued that it should only be extended to those currently in the scheme, and that no new properties should be added to the scheme.

“Given the enormous pressures on the rental market and ever-increasing record homeless figures, this scheme is manifestly unfair and cannot be allowed to continue.”