Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
710. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the decision of a local authority to withdraw the one adult and one child rate of HAP from separated parents with part access to their child when the child reaches 18 years is a policy of his Department or a decision for the local authority; if he agrees with such decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46312/24]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support available for people who have a long-term housing need. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP.
Under the HAP scheme, tenants source their own accommodation in the private rented market. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned. The tenancy agreement is between the tenant and the landlord and is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act.
The day-to-day operation of the social housing system is a matter for the relevant local authority, and ultimately, it is the responsibility of the local authority to make a decision in each individual case.
