Sinn Féin accused of ‘scapegoating’ Ukrainians on rental market squeeze

She said she was really disappointed with the “scapegoating” involved and the “singling out of those who came from Ukraine.”

Mr Doherty had pointed to the Ukrainian-only Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) provides €800 per month tax-free to beneficiaries.

Because it is not means-tested and goes to Ukrainians who are working, it is “blatantly unfair,” Mr Doherty said. He said it should be closed to new entrants “immediately.”

Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman said he did not agree with the comments that Deputy Doherty had made.

He said there would be an impact on thousands of Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia if the State were to cut or immediately end the payment.

Alternative accommodation would have to be found in such a case, he said. But he added that the scheme was under review.

Mr Doherty said his party believed the scheme should only be available to host families who open up their own homes – and not homes “that really should be on the private rental…