Social Welfare Rates

Thursday, 5 March 2026

Ceisteanna (167, 179, 257)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

167. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase the HAP limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17644/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

179. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review HAP limits for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17483/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

257. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an increase to housing assistance payment rent limits is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17484/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 179 and 257 together.

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme continues to play a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of Q3 2025, more than 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.

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 continues 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 before the end of Q2 this year.