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

I acknowledge the contributions of both Deputies for their respective areas. On the discretion levels, if including Dublin Region Homeless Executive area, the households in receipt of the discretionary HAP comes in at approximately 62%, and the average rate of discretion is at 25.5%. Excluding the Dublin Region Homeless Executive area, the average household in receipt of the discretionary rate is 56%, with an average rate of discretion of 19.4%. The increases in the discretionary HAP have been effective. It is important to note that. We must also note that some HAP recipients are making payments directly to their landlords beyond the amount of HAP that is being paid on their behalf. There is no legislative provision precluding HAP-supported households from making that contribution towards the monthly rent requirement by the landlord. Local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that tenancies are sustainable and that households in HAP are in a position to meet the rental costs involved. The Deputies are absolutely correct that the Government is committed to reducing our reliance on HAP overall. The way to do that is through the delivery of the Housing for All in social, affordable and cost-rental, and the schemes that are in place. I welcome the points made by Deputy Wynne about the delivery of social housing in Clare. Over time, that is how we will reduce the reliance on HAP. The discretionary rates are in place and the local authorities, the tenants and the landlords are availing of them.

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