Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a matter for each local authority to determine what level of support is appropriate for each HAP tenancy within its area, including whether and to what extent the application of a discretionary increase above rent limits is warranted. In doing so, it is the responsibility of the local authority to ensure that tenancies are sustainable. They are advised not to provide HAP support to tenancies where the household would not be in a position to meet the rental cost sought.

I am very conscious of the pressures in the private rental market and my Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review. My Department is conscious that the scheme has the potential to have a detrimental inflationary impact on the wider rental market, including for those households which are not receiving HAP support. As such, any changes to the prescribed rent limits in any given local authority can only be taken after detailed and comprehensive consideration.

If amendments are proposed to the caps on a county-by-county basis, it would require further research similar to what was done in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection. I accept Deputy Brennan's point that there are discrepancies within a close geographical area, and that in one case the difference is €600. I reiterate that 35% is a large margin of discretion. There is considerable flexibility within that and I urge local authorities to use it. On the bigger question as to whether rent limits for HAP can be set outside of a county-by-county basis, which is the way we assess them at the moment, I will bring that back to the Department. The current position is that it would be very difficult to do so but I will see if there is something that can be done.

I thank the Deputy again for raising this matter. The best way we can reduce rents and get people into homes is through the provision of housing. That is key, as the Deputy noted.

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