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

I put it to the Department and the representatives from the city and county managers that there is a major issue with the quality of HAP accommodation. Speaking from experience and the number of people coming into my constituency office who do not have basics such as heating or hot water or who are experiencing leaks and windows falling out, I know that there are major health and safety issues. These people are getting no support from local authorities and are basically given the option of staying in the property they are in or entering homelessness services. I do not believe it is not a major issue. I do not know if we are keeping that kind of data but if we are not, I suggest that we should.

The biggest reason for people entering homelessness services is a landlord giving a notice to quit on the grounds that a family member is moving in, major refurbishment work is to be done or the property is to be sold. I have come across many cases - certainly not a handful - where these are not the reasons. The tenant may be evicted on those grounds but a couple of months later the property would be up on daft.iewith a massive increase in rent. I put it to both the Department and city and county managers that this is a loophole to get around rent caps in certain areas. I wonder if there is any evidence to support that.