Over 21,800 properties in Ireland have been taken out of circulation from the rental market for Irish people because they are being used to accommodate Ukrainians under the Accommodation Recognition Payment. It is more financially advantageous for landlords to avail of the Scheme rather than rent to Irish people as they receive €600 tax free per month. There is also wide reporting of abuse by landlords who receive top up payments from Ukrainians per month, even though this is prohibited under the Scheme, leading to over inflated rental prices. The Scheme is non means tested, so Ukrainians can even work full time and still avail of the Scheme. The largest number of properties involved in the Scheme are located in Dublin with almost 3,300 currently accommodating Ukrainians. The second highest number is in Donegal where 2,070 private properties are in use followed by Cork (1,611) Mayo (1,425) and Kerry (1,308). The fact that this Scheme is still in operation and has not been scrapped is a national disgrace. We have the highest ever recorded homelessness rate at 15, 915 and climbing. The ARP was supposed to be only ever introduced as a temporary measure in 2022. It creates an unfair playing field and is forcing the Irish indigenous population out of their cities, towns and villages and onto the streets.

Posted by Fred Bassett