A local Sinn Féin TD is calling for a full review of the Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme.
It's after the number of properties receiving the payment to house Ukrainian refugees increased by 17% since the start of the year.
The party's Justice Spokesperson and Cavan Monaghan TD Matt Carthy claims the system is unfair, as it remains non-means tested and impacts the private rental sector.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Carthy said: "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. There was a 17% increase in the number of properties receiving payment under the ARP between January and July this year. That was an increase of 3,125 in the number of properties being awarded payments under the ARP in that period.
"Figures revealed to me in response to a Parliamentary Question show that there were significant increases in properties receiving payments in all counties since the beginning of the year. The number of properties in the scheme in some counties is astonishing - for example there are 2,070 properties receiving payments under the scheme in Donegal while on Daft.ie there are only 30 properties for rent in the county this morning.
"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. The figures show that 21,803 properties were provided by 16,900 owners. 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. 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."
