Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)

I would like it on record that some landlords are actually still leaving the tenants in place hoping that the tenant in situ scheme will be reopened. They have to be thanked for that, and the local authorities who do unbelievable work.

The is also one point on HAP. With rents now going up, would the witnesses recommend that rent rises must be matched? I have just had to step out to speak to a lady who cannot pay her rent. Her rent is €2,000 per month. She is getting a maximum HAP from Cork City Council and she is making a contribution of just over €750. This lady has three kids and she also has to pay rent to the council of €48. She is being driven into homelessness because of the cost of the rents. Would the witnesses advise an increase in HAP to match rent increases?