Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

937. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the location from which a HAP applicant can redeem the full cost of rent which they have had to borrow in order to pay the rent while the HAP application is being processed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11927/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is administered by Local Authorities and overall policy responsibility for HAP rests with my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. Matters relating to the processing times for HAP applications and the payment of arrears are primarily a matter for that Department.

Notwithstanding this, I understand that arrears may be paid in cases where a housing need assessment is complete; the applicant is accepted on the social housing list and a valid HAP application is received by the Local Authority.

I suggest that this matter is clarified with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.