Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
591. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered increasing HAP payments in Galway; if he has considered increasing the homeless HAP flexibility from 35% to 50% in Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36682/26]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support available for people who have a long-term housing need. Once a household has been deemed eligible for social housing support, it is a matter for the local authority to examine the suite of social housing supports available, including the HAP scheme, to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority.
The HAP scheme continues to play a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of 2025, over 131,600 HAP tenancies had been set up since the scheme commenced, of which there were 49,663 households actively in receipt of HAP support nationally. An average of 123 new HAP tenancies was set up each week in 2025, indicating that the scheme continues to support large numbers of households to secure a home in the private rental market. In 2025, Galway City Council set up 185 HAP tenancies and Galway County Council set up 145.
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, or up to 50% in the case of homeless households in the Dublin region. 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 the discretion is warranted on a case-by-case basis, and also the level of additional 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.
My Department has reviewed the use of these measures and their impact on the overall affordability of the HAP scheme for tenants. This review has highlighted that the affordability and sustainability of HAP tenancies continue to be impacted by pressures in the private rental market. My Department is now undertaking 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.
It is intended that the review process will conclude by the end of Q2 this year.
