Lots of us are wondering about the future of the Accommodation Recognition Payment (#ARP), so I wanted to share an update on what’s happening behind the scenes at HIH on this issue.
We know from check-ins and support line calls that this is a big concern for you and your guests. The sooner we have clarity, the better.
We’ve been advocating hard on behalf of hosts - writing to Ministers, engaging with key decision-makers, and working in partnership with the Ukraine Civil Society Forum* to make sure our voices are heard. The decision to extend ARP will be addressed in the coming weeks, and we’re pushing for certainty as soon as possible.
We’ve urged the government to extend ARP at its current level until at least March 31, 2026, giving everyone time to plan and transition properly, rather than making sudden, disruptive cuts. We’re simply asking them to take the next step responsibly and protect what has made this part of the state's accommodation response so successful: hosting, and the generosity of people like you who chose to open your doors.
A huge thanks to those who’ve already written to TDs and Ministers - your voices matter If you haven’t yet, now is the time to help push this up the agenda.
We’ve put together a simple template letter you can personalise and send (link below). The more public reps hear directly from hosts, the harder it will be to ignore the real impact of any changes. It's also a chance to let political leaders know how helpful the payment has been - they've done some good stuff, and we all know how refreshing it is to hear a thank you. Sometimes it's just what's needed to get the job done.
We always take your feedback into account in our advocacy - so let us know your thoughts. What do you think would be a fair and workable transition plan?
No matter what happens, we’re in your corner, making sure hosts are part of the conversation and that the thing built together over the past three years is protected, valued, and extended fairly to anyone who needs it.
Thanks everyone for all you do.
Keep ‘er lit,
Angie & all of us at Helping Irish Hosts
Link to template letter for TDs and Ministers, with emails. This is a read-only document. To use it, simply copy and paste it into a new document or email, personalise it, and send it on: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mkX9vKgTNLmCmfYQ-GQxORrSzJh4wmckm-N_6Xo0FtM/edit?usp=sharing
*The Ukraine Civil Society Forum is a group of more than 120 organisations supporting displaced Ukrainians in Ireland.
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