Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not write the reports. They were written by experts who work on the front line. If the Deputy wants to challenge their credibility, that is a completely separate conversation. It would be completely out of line to do so. The line in the inter-agency report that has been mentioned has been misinterpreted. I do not know why that has occurred. The report was produced independently of me. It is clear that the relevant part of the report states we need to look at how we can improve the HAP scheme and when we have done so, we will need to go back and see whether there is still an issue with people moving into the private rental sector. That is how I read the line in question. When I spoke about this yesterday, I made it clear that no one was talking about a threat to remove emergency support from people who were facing this crisis in their lives. That would not solve any problem; rather, it would make things far worse for them, which is not the business we are in.

The Deputy asked about the nervousness with regard to the HAP scheme. I think a line in one of the reports suggests this nervousness relates more to the concept of the HAP scheme, which is an indication that changes need to be made. If someone is electing to move into emergency accommodation, rather than a private rented home, there is a flaw in the system. What is unfortunate is that people are becoming trapped in emergency accommodation because they are developing a fear of moving into the private rental sector. We have to address such issues. Some potential solutions are mentioned in the reports, but they do not cover all of the ideas. That is why I am hoping to hear from the committee other recommendations and ideas that could be considered as we move forward in addressing this challenge.

Reference has been made to non-Irish-----