Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
169. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position on the review of the housing assistance payment scheme; when it will be concluded and the report published; how quickly the report’s recommendations will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37525/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of the Ombudsman completed an investigation into the administration of the HAP scheme to look at ways to improve the operation of the current scheme and highlight good practice in this area. In total, the Office of the Ombudsman reached 19 findings with associated recommendations. The report was published on the Office of the Ombudsman's website in June 2025.
My Department continues to engage with the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to these recommendations and is working with all the relevant stakeholders regarding their implementation. My Department is committed to making any viable changes to ensure that the HAP scheme continues to provide a vital social housing support which assists those with a long-term housing need to access accommodation in the private rental market.
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.
My Department reviewed the use of these measures and their impact on the overall affordability of the HAP scheme for tenants. This review 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 by end of Q2 this year.
