The Government is to launch “a new call” for owners of unoccupied homes to give them up to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Anyone who offers a home will benefit from the recognition payment of €800 a month tax-free.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Roderic O’Gorman said: “These are unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homes. We are asking people to consider to pledge them for an initial period of six months.”
The new initiative will be led by local authorities who will appeal for unoccupied properties.
They will liaise with owners to assess the suitability of the property and coordinate the arrangements.
Of the total number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine who arrived in Ireland, 46,000 have been housed by the State and by citizens, according to recent figures from the Central Statistics Office.
Property owners can offer homes at offerahome.ie or by contacting the local authority in which their property is located.
“We hope that we can continue to build on the strong support across the country for Ukrainian refugees.”
Mr O’Gorman said over 5,500 people are in pledged accommodation already which is a very significant support and they are looking to build on that.
Mr O’Gorman said Ireland is now accommodating 64,000 Ukrainians fleeing war as he spoke about the obligation to ensure no one is left homeless.
He said: “We have a moral and legal obligation to provide shelter to people feeling persecution.”
