Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I welcome the Minister's initiative on housing and the question of HAP. I know that the averages have increased by €120 per month for a family with three children, which is significant and welcome. Part of the complaints we are getting as a result of the release of that information into the public domain is that some landlords still refuse to accept people on HAP or rent allowance. Is there a possibility that the Government could consider making it more attractive for landlords to enter into a five-year rent agreement? In other words, if they opt into an arrangement for a period of five years or a period longer than, say, a year or two, could a tax incentive be introduced for them to accept that payment? I apologise for being hoarse this morning. I was not shouting for Ireland or any other team last night.

According to the Government strategy, 75,000 more houses are needed in the private sector. Those are extra houses to be supplied by 2020 and will not be local authority or public housing units or built by communities. The supply of 75,000 private units to the housing market will be a huge challenge. I note that in County Louth there are only about 400 houses for rent at the moment. How can we incentivise greater release to housing applicants from the private sector into that area?