Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
84. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the HAP review, to confirm a timeline for the publication of the review and its findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69058/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the HAP scheme, 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, 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 exercise highlighted that the affordability and sustainability of HAP tenancies continue to be impacted by pressures in the private rental market. Therefore, I gave approval for a review of the HAP rent limits to be undertaken to ensure there is sufficient support under the HAP scheme to assist eligible households in accessing accommodation in the private rental sector.
The HAP rent limits review has now concluded, and I am considering its findings before setting out the next steps.
