Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
324. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if HAP rent arrears prevents an individual from accessing homeless supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48434/26]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities.
Under the Housing Act 1988, it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household. Decisions on the assessment of households for homeless services, the most appropriate form of such support, and the allocation of that support are a matter for the local authority concerned. HAP rent arrears should not prevent an individual from accessing homeless supports.
Operational issues in the day to day delivery of services, including provision of homeless accommodation, are a matter for the relevant local authority.
