Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is very disappointing because HAP payments from Tipperary County Council went to 1,178 tenancies in 2019. In 2020, it was more than 1,800. The total cost in 2019 was more than €6.8 million; in 2020, it was €7.1 million.

The housing leasing scheme is only one third of that, according to the figures the Minister of State has given. That scheme, which offers tenants long-term security, is not being promoted or advanced by most local authorities. It could and does provide longer term security for tenants of ten or 20 years. This would be also more cost effective for the State. There are sizable administration costs at county council and Department levels.

The Government has front-loaded money into HAP and it is not delivering homes for people. I accept it is putting roofs over people's heads and was needed but the overemphasis on HAP is damaging to the building of new homes.

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