Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
309. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current position with inter county HAP applications; if those on a local authority list can rent a home in any other local authority and receive a HAP payment; if there are any limitations on the amount that is payable in another local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52582/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGuidelines on inter-authority movement were issued to local authorities to facilitate the movement of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) households from one local authority area to another in cases where a HAP tenant wishes to access rented accommodation, with HAP support, in another local authority area. Inter authority movement is, however, subject to certain conditions, such as the relevant Social Housing Income Eligibility Bands and confirmation that the applicant's income is below the threshold in the new local authority.
HAP tenants that avail of inter-authority movement continue to be dealt with by their originating local authority. However, the rent limits applicable are those that apply in the local authority where the property is situated. The originating local authority will engage with the relevant new local authority to facilitate eligible requests for inter-authority movement.
HAP tenants who avail of inter-authority movement, can only be offered access to the transfer list of the originating local authority. The practical operation of transfer lists is a matter for each local authority to manage, on the basis of their own scheme of letting priorities. The making of such schemes is a reserved function of the local authority and as such is a matter for the elected members.
