Ms Ann-Marie O'Reilly:

We are limited in that we cannot dictate to landlords the equality legislation that exists. Therefore, we cannot force them to take HAP recipients but it is a matter of ensuring that, when somebody is approved for HAP, they have the paperwork and that the process is streamlined. Our survey was very clear on the point that, as soon as somebody received HAP, there was such relief. The recipients were so appreciative and delighted to have it. It meant they could get on with other aspects of their lives. While some had the top-up, and that posed a challenge, having HAP was a huge improvement. It is a matter of streamlining the process and paying the rent from the date on which the tenancy starts, not from the date it is processed. It should be paid upfront and the deposit should be paid also. That would make a huge difference.

On all the other aspects, including accessing properties, landlords accepting tenants and the costs, these are all tied into much bigger market forces. I hope some of the more structural elements being addressed now will assist in this regard, but HAP was created in 2014 for a very different market and it needs to adapt, change and operate within the private sector we have now. That would be very significant for the recipients of HAP.