Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have researched the operation of the policy in Cork City Council and Cork County Council. They have advised that if persons present with a notice to quit, they will engage immediately. The notice to quit will be sent to Threshold for verification. Once that is validated, Cork City Council or Cork County Council will support the tenant with services such as HAP place finder. If a tenant is in arrears, Cork local authorities may refer to MABS and explore if a hardship clause can be used, if the landlord can be engaged with, etc. If a tenant has not received the notice to quit but is expecting one, the tenant must remain in the property to receive assistance if and when the notice to quit is issued. The local authority should then proceed to provide support - for example, referral to Threshold. As I said in my opening response, I think Cork County Council, in the Deputy's area, does engage.

The Deputy referred to the voids programme. The Minister will announce a new voids programme next week for social housing tenants. This will include the delivery of 100 social housing units in Clonakilty. I hope that that provides a response to the Deputy's specific question.

In response to Deputy Ó Murchú's question, it would be useful if the Deputy could provide details of the specific issue he raises. I think there should be some discretion there, but if he could provide us with details of that issue, we will-----

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