A Laois senator has called for a 'full review' of the Ukrainian Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP).

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack was speaking after figures revealed in response to a Parliamentary Question showed an increase in the amount of Laois properties in receipt of the payment since the beginning of 2025.

 “It is time for a full review of the Ukrainian Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) Scheme as the number of properties under the scheme continues to grow," Senator McCormack said.

The Sinn Féin senator slammed the scheme as 'deeply unfair' amid a housing crisis.

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"In Laois, the number has risen from 51 properties in 2023 to 323 properties today in receipt of payment under the ARP.

"In fact, there has been an increase of almost 40 more properties in the last 6 months, meanwhile, there are only 14 properties available for rent in the county this morning," the Portlaoise senator argued.

"Given the number of those now claiming the payment for multiple properties, it is increasingly evident that landlords are using this scheme because it is financially beneficial and to avoid tenancy obligations.

“This scheme gives a tax-free payment to landlords, they can also get a top up payment from the Ukrainian person in the property and they can avoid the normal tenancy obligations that they would be bound by when renting in the private rented sector," she said.

“The scheme is deeply unfair because it gives access to non means tested housing support to one group of people which is available to no others, even where others may be on lower wages.

“The government has ignored repeated calls for this scheme to be subject to a means test and for the release of any assessments or reports which they have in relation to the impact of the scheme on the private rented sector," Senator McCormack finished.

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