Concerns that Ukrainian refugees could face “cliff edge” as supports expire in March

The Ukraine Civil Society Forum has welcomed the appointment of Colm Brophy as Minister of State for Migration, who will succeed Roderic O’Gorman in the role.

The Fine Gael TD previously served as minister for overseas development and diaspora, along with his active role on the European Affairs committee.

“This is a challenging brief, and we look forward to working with him,” he said.

The forum has expressed concern that the ARP Housing Support Programme will expire on March 31st and the government has not given any indication that they will extend it beyond that.

The Accommodation Recognition Payment was introduced in July 2022 to support people opening up their homes to host Ukrainians.

They said “a decision is urgently needed as the absence of any guidance has created significant anxiety and uncertainty for both hosts and guests.”

“Without an extension, many of the families relying on this scheme face the prospect of losing their homes. We have already received multiple reports of people being asked to move out due to the uncertainty surrounding the payment. This situation compounds the challenges Ukrainians—especially women, young children, and the elderly—are already facing in rebuilding their lives. With nowhere else to turn, the situation is dire.”

One Ukrainian refugee hosted in Dublin expressed “if this hosting programme ends, I don’t know what will happen to me and my son. We have already lost our home once. My son loves his school and has great friends. I am working and beginning to feel alive again. I cannot express how important the support of the Irish people and government has been. We are forever grateful. You gave us safety and a chance to live, and to lose this lifeline will be devastating.”

Emma Lane-Spollen, National Coordinator of the Ukraine Civil Society Response, commented “hosting has been an Irish success story. An amazing 22,000 Irish hosts have taken in over 40,000 Ukrainians as their guests since the start of the war. The Accommodation Recognition Payment of €800 per host has been really effective in bringing in new capacity—spare rooms, granny flats, and holiday homes—rooms and homes that were never being rented. This scheme ensured that the medium-term accommodation needs of Ukrainians did not add further pressure to the private rental market.”

Angie Gough, founder of Helping Irish Hosts, commented “the government must act now to extend the Accommodation Recognition Payment beyond March 2025. Without it—or a proper transition plan—families will be left facing homelessness.”

She added “hosting has been a lifeline, giving thousands not just shelter, but home, friendship, and belonging. It was never meant to be a long-term housing solution, nor is it a silver bullet for the refugee accommodation crisis. It works because it’s about community, not just a place to stay. Hosting is great value for money and one of the best ways to support integration, but only if the government steps up with proper financial and safeguarding supports, now and into the future.”

Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council, commented “it is deplorable that people who are already traumatised by their circumstances are left in a situation of not knowing. The new Minister of State, Minister Brophy, must address this uncertainty as a matter of urgency and give Ukrainian refugees—and their hosts—peace of mind. Or are we to see up to 36,000 people become homeless?”

The Forum is calling on Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan and his newly appointed Minister of State, Colm Brophy, to urgently address this issue.

“We urge the new government to affirm its commitment to Ireland remaining a place of sanctuary for Ukrainians while the war continues and to ensure government policy supports integration; an immediate decision on the extension of the ARP is needed to provide clarity and reassurance,” they said.