Conor Sheehan
Ceist:98. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the HAP review will be published and enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47824/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 25 June 2026
Ceisteanna (98)
Freagraí scríofa
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 were set up each week in 2025.
Maximum rent limits for HAP were set for each housing authority area in 2016 in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection. In reviewing the rent limits, my Department worked closely with the Department of Social Protection and monitored data gathered from the Residential Tenancies Board and the HAP Shared Services Centre.
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 reviewed the use of these measures and their impact on the overall affordability of the HAP scheme for tenants. This exercise highlighted that the affordability and sustainability of HAP tenancies continue to be impacted by pressures in the private rental market. Therefore, I gave my approval for a review of the current HAP rent limits to be undertaken.
My Department is now nearing completion of this review of the 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 shortly. I will then consider the findings of the review and set out the next steps.
Question No. 99 answered orally.