Clarke questions Ukrainian property payments as housing crisis continues
An increase in the number of properties being awarded payments to house Ukrainians in the constituency has been described as "concerning" by Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke.
These payments are made under the Accommodation Recognition Payments (ARP) Scheme.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is a tax-free monthly financial contribution of €600 available to those providing accommodation to a persons who have arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive since March 2022.
The Dáil representative said that there had been an increase of 170 properties in the constituency receiving payments under the scheme between January and July "at a time of rising rents and an ongoing housing crisis".
"There are now 1,054 of properties in receipt of payments under the ARP in Longford-Westmeath.
“This is an extremely significant rise when you consider the small number of properties that are available to rent in Longford-Westmeath at present.
“The failure of the Government to recognise the impact of this scheme on the private rental sector is outrageous, particularly given soaring rents and the fact that we are in the middle of such a severe housing crisis.
“Overall across the state there has been an increase of 3,125 in the number of properties being awarded payments under the ARP between January and July.
“Sinn Féin repeatedly pointed out that this scheme was unfair because it gave Ukrainians access to housing supports, without a means test, which are not available to any other person including those on lower wages trying to secure housing. We also pointed out that it was driving up rents, particularly in parts of the state that traditionally had lower rents.
“These figures also show that there are significantly more properties than property owners coming under the scheme. 21,803 properties provided by 16,900 owners which clearly indicates that a large number of people have more than one property under this scheme.
"This highlights that landlords are availing of this scheme because it financially benefits them while avoiding the normal obligations and responsibilities regarding tenancies," Teachta Clarke said.