Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to comment on the HAP scheme from the perspective of the Waterford constituency. The highest amount available in rent supplement in Waterford is €525. The dogs in the street know that it is not possible to get a house any place in Waterford city or county for €525. A person might get a place for €650 or for an amount heading towards €700. Prices are at the €650 or €675 mark. The HAP scheme is a win-win option if a tenant can get the landlord to take it up. In many cases, however, a person who is on social welfare is putting her hand in her pocket to make up the difference between €525 and €675. This has not been spoken about, it has been brushed under the carpet. Up to €150 comes out of their earnings for the month and the majority of these people are on social welfare. I imagine this is happening in other constituencies as well. These people have to come up with €150, sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less. This is a major issue but it has not been addressed. It is a little part of the black economy.

I would support the conversion of non-viable commercial buildings especially in rural areas but also in cities because there are plenty of shops all over Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway with premises downstairs but the upstairs is not in operation. Do the witnesses see a role for the local authority to come on board in those instances?