Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One aspect of this is dealing with the fact that we have landlords who may fail inspections. Inevitably, part of that 687 figure will include people who will just leave a HAP property because it is substandard. In my experience people have come into my constituency office - and I am sure to the offices of other Deputies - and reported that they are living in a HAP property which is substandard. In those circumstances, I have written to the local authority reminding it of its obligation to carry out inspections but those inspections are not being carried out. They are simply not being carried out and that must be addressed. What is happening as a result is that people are exiting the HAP scheme.

A similar issue arises with the rental accommodation scheme, RAS. It is my understanding that the relevant legislation states that before a property can become eligible for the RAS, an inspection must take place up front. There is no nine month period of grace. The property is inspected and if it is deemed to meet the criteria it can be eligible for the RAS. Is that correct?