Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
435. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the regulations included in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 that prevent a joint HAP application from being split into two separate applications in cases of domestic abuse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70962/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. In order for a household to qualify for HAP, they must first be assessed as eligible for social housing support by their local authority. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP and those households must source their own accommodation in the private rental sector. 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. Decisions in relation to HAP, including the suitability of HAP accommodation, is a matter for the local authority concerned.
Guidance for local authorities in relation to providing assistance to those affected by domestic violence can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/7e168-guidance-for-housing-authorities-for-assisting-victims-of-domestic-violence-with-emergency-and-long-term-accommodation-needs/.
The day-to-day operation of the HAP scheme is a matter for the relevant local authority. 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.
