The payment to property owners who provide places to live for Ukrainian refugees is to be cut.

It is being reduced from €800pm to €600pm under a proposal that went before Cabinet earlier today - and will continue for a year.

The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) was first introduced three years ago to recognise the generosity of people who provided rooms in their homes or provided properties for Ukrainian refugees.

Since the start of the scheme, €272 million has been paid to 22,900 hosts – however it is now being cut by €200 a month.

Earlier the Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan explained why the changes were being made.

“I suppose the reason for the decisions by Government in respect to that is because of the impact it seems to be having in certain rental areas,” he said.

Part of a group of Ukrainian refugees who arrived to Ireland. 14/03/2022 Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

However, Sinn Féin said today's changes to the ARP do not go far enough.

The payment is available to all Ukrainian refugees and even if they are in full time employment, they will still receive the monthly payment towards their rent.

Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy said that needs to change.

“The fundamental difficulties within the ARP are the unfairness of the scheme, in that it's not means tested, as every other housing assistance payment would be, but also the impact that it's having on the private rental sector,” he said.

The reduction of the monthly payment will not be introduced immediately but it is expected to happen within the next three months and will continue for a year.

Ukraine flag, © PA Archive/PA Images