Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I said, it is a positive initiative and we are getting value for money because the State is no longer paying for RAS or HAP for the property; it is buying an asset. More importantly, it gives tenants certainty and ensures they have a forever home in areas in which they are part of their communities. I am worried about the guideline figure issued to councils and that councils need, for every house thereafter, to seek approval from the Department. That seems overly bureaucratic and removes the power of the director of services or housing officer in local authorities to decide something is good value for money and meets a housing need where there is no alternative.

Another issue is whether there is any relationship between the landlord and tenant. Local authorities seem to rule that out of order, which is strange considering the State has been paying HAP or RAS in the previous years. Will the Minister of State address those issues?

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