Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Helping people to return to work is the surest way of helping individuals and families to build financial independence and a better and more prosperous future for their families over time.

My Department has been working closely with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the local authorities to support the ongoing transfer of people with long-term housing need to the housing assistance payment, HAP. More than 7,700 people are in receipt of the payment and this number will increase significantly in the months and years ahead. I hope the Dublin local authorities, including Dublin City Council, will move strongly to give families options around HAP and, therefore, a significant opportunity and incentive to take on work. In the meantime, rent supplement will continue to play an essential role in supporting families and individuals. This year, the scheme will support 59,000 people at a cost of €267 million. Homes are being secured by families in receipt of the supplement.

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