Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes. The Minister has mentioned that there has been a focus on HAP, in particular the fears about same, and I have discussed them with his officials. Let us bear in mind that sometimes one is placed on a housing transfer housing list when one avails of HAP. The local authorities do not deal with HAP in a uniform manner. I believe that many people will decide not to transfer to HAP because they believe they will not remain on the main housing list. That is a big problem for people who are eight, nine or ten years on a housing list. It is a problem when the Department says: "Okay, you are on HAP now, we may be able to assist in sourcing a rental property that has a 12-month lease but you are not on the housing list." However, later one is told that one is not on the housing list but on the transfer list. The resistance to HAP is, therefore, understandable. I urge the Minister to change that provision and for a uniform approach to be adopted across the country.

We need a uniform approach to be adopted for the additional discretionary payment for HAP, and also where people receive top-up payments and assistance from their families. I have heard of instances where HAP has been refused in total because a local authority has not allowed an additional top-up payment. More important, this matter is about the uniform nature of the application of the HAP and where a person or family is placed on a housing list. When the Department must explain that a person or family has been moved to the transfer list and that there is another main housing list, then all of us can understand why there is a serious concern and resistance to the scheme.

Some very good items have been highlighted in the report about the fears and limitations of HAP. How quickly will the Minister implement these changes? He has indicated that he will take the views of committee members on board. I urge him to ensure that if someone goes on HAP that he or she remains on the main housing list and to remove all ambiguity about the matter. Perhaps there is no resistance to doing so but I do not understand why such a provision has not been made up to now. Removing all ambiguity about the matter would make a massive difference straight away. The Minister would certainly have my support if he decided to adopt my proposed change.