Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
653. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he would consider increasing the Homeless HAP rate in Galway City and County from 35% to 50% given the high rents in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7736/26]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme continues to play a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of Q3 2025, over 130,200 HAP tenancies had been set up since the scheme commenced, of which there were 50,705 households actively in receipt of HAP support.
Under HAP, a tenant sources their own accommodation in the private rented market. This accommodation should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.
Since 11 July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit. Discretion can be increased up to 50% above the prescribed maximum rent limits for Homeless HAP tenancies in Dublin.
Local authorities also have additional flexibility to apply a couple HAP rate to single person households. This additional measure recognises the challenges experienced by single person households, and the fact that both single and couple households have a one-bed need.
It is a matter for the local authority to determine if the application of discretion is warranted on a case-by-case basis and the level of discretion applied in each case. Local authorities are encouraged to focus the application of discretion on alleviating financial burden for HAP tenants wherever possible, particularly for those in difficult financial circumstances.
Additional supports are available under HAP for homeless households or households at risk of homelessness nationwide, including financial supports and access to the Place Finder service. To qualify for these specific additional supports, a household must have been determined by the relevant local authority to be homeless within the meaning of section 2 of the Housing Act 1988.
Local authorities oversee a range of homeless-prevention and tenancy-sustainment measures, and are prioritising tenancy-support services, prevention, and the use of the Place Finder service for HAP tenancies.
I have also approved a review of existing HAP rent limits to ensure there is sufficient support under the HAP scheme to assist eligible households in accessing accommodation in the private rental sector. My Department is currently progressing this review.
