508. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46952/26]

Minister O'Callaghan and I recently obtained Government approval for a number of measures to transition Ukraine Accommodation Supports and Temporary Protection. All information relating to these measures can be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/campaigns/ukraine-updates-en

The approved measures are in line with the EU Council recommendation for a co-ordinated approach to transition people out of Temporary Protection across the EU. However, it is important to note that temporary protection is still active. Ireland will continue to support people from Ukraine under temporary protection, to include those who are vulnerable or have barriers to independence.

The Government approved legislative changes to clarify Ireland’s citizenship and asylum rules surrounding temporary permissions in Ireland to include those who are residing in Ireland on the basis of Temporary Protection. The timing and impact of the exclusion of time spent under Temporary Protection from the calculation of reckonable residence will be carefully considered alongside the provision to be made in Ireland and other EU Member States for persons moving from Temporary Protection to other residence permissions or return arrangements.

It is important to note that the alternative permission is not intended to replace Temporary Protection, but to provide an alternative permission for those who are eligible and who wish to remain in Ireland beyond its protection. Persons who are unable to satisfy the eligibility criteria will continue to be entitled to and benefit from the Temporary Protection Status while the Temporary Protection Directive remains in effect.

This alternative permission will be granted for a period of up to two years, renewable for periods of two years thereafter, with time on the permission counting towards naturalisation. Eligibility criteria will apply, including a requirement of minimum yearly earnings, have independent accommodation, and be resident in Ireland for a period of one year as a beneficiary of temporary protection prior to the opening of the application process.

An applicant must demonstrate that they have been in employment or self-employment for a period of six months prior to the application and demonstrate that they will earn an annual gross salary of €29,432.

Temporary Protection is in place until March 2027. Further extensions of the application of this Directive in respect of the war in Ukraine are being considered and will be agreed at EU level. Beneficiaries of temporary protection will remain entitled to this protection while the Directive is in effect.

Ireland is not currently implementing a voluntary returns programme to Ukraine. Subject to proposals at the EU-level, my department will support the development of a voluntary return and reintegration programme for beneficiaries who wish to return to Ukraine, subject to safety conditions.

The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme, the tax-free payment scheme for hosts accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection, will end on 31 March 2027. In line with the Government decision of 26 May 2026, I intend to reduce the monthly payment rate to €400 from September 2026, returning it to its original rate when the scheme was launched in 2022. Before doing so, the necessary statutory tasks will be completed to obtain the consent of the Ministers for Social Protection and for Public Expenditure and to again seek Oireachtas approval to make the required order. The objective is to enable an orderly and gradual winding down of the scheme with due regard to all those involved.

For further information on the scheme, please visit www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/accommodation-recognition-payment-scheme-your-questions-answered/.

Coordinated work between the Department, Irish Red Cross, the International Organisation for Migration and other relevant advocates and stakeholders will ensure that individuals can make decisions about their future options in Ireland with as much clarity as possible.