Mr. Gordon Hill:

It can depend on the local authority. Something by which those people can be doubly hit is where someone is on the reduced rate, their ability to pay rent is negligible because the rate of rent will be above the HAP rate. We run a temporary accommodation emergency service, TAE, where the idea is everyone there has just a housing need. However, we cannot take in those aged 25 years or under who are not working because we would have no way of moving them on, as their welfare rate is so low that they will not be able to sustain themselves anywhere they move to. Even if they were lucky enough to get the homeless HAP, have status, or be an Irish citizen in that position, if someone is on the reduced rate, the chances of them moving out of homeless services is dramatically reduced.