Mr. John-Mark McCafferty:

I thank the Senator. Our experience of the sector has always been one of insecurity. Things have improved incrementally and more markedly in the past four years. Once I finish talking I might pass over to Ms O'Reilly with regard to differential rents as they relate to HAP. I know it is beyond the focus of HAP but the very different approaches different local authorities take to the differential rents scheme appear to be quite problematic. This presents a barrier for people who want to move between local authority areas.

On top-up payments and the financial impact of Covid-19, as I was saying earlier, this issue requires further examination. There has been some softening and unofficial arrangements made between landlords and tenants during this time. When people were earning during the economic vibrancy that was present up to approximately ten months ago, they were highly geared in terms of their rent payments so that, if anything went wrong, they were left in a really difficult position. Some people are coming to us but others are still under the radar. I will hand over to Ms O'Reilly now, if I may.