Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I too want to welcome the progress being made on housing, including in my own area of Carlow. I welcome the improvements, although I know we have a lot more to do. There are still many challenges.

In 2021, I introduced the Housing (Housing Assistance Payment Waiting Times) (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Bill. I am very disappointed that I am still waiting for it to be put on the system. Can the Taoiseach do anything for me in that regard? The purpose of the Bill is to set out a new statutory deadline for the processing of HAP applications and social housing assistance applications. When people apply to local authorities, through no fault of their own, they are waiting for months. I am asking for a three-week deadline to be introduced as soon as possible. Furthermore, all local authorities should go back to the old way of processing applications. Before Covid, everyone was interviewed in one-on-one. Some local authorities are still interviewing people by phone but I do not agree with that.

I welcome the fact that Carlow County Council has received approval for a homeless prevention officer post. The only thing awaited now is the appointment of a homeless officer. I ask the Taoiseach to talk to the Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government and do what he can in this regard.

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