Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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160. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will allow regeneration zones to accept housing assistance payment, HAP, tenancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6218/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, one of the key functions of housing authorities is to provide or manage the provision of social housing support in a way that counteracts undue segregation between persons of different social backgrounds and ensures the provision of an appropriate mix of dwelling types and tenure classes.

Once a household has been deemed eligible for social housing support, it is a matter for the local authority to examine the suite of social housing supports available, including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority.

The operation of the HAP scheme is underpinned by Part 4 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. Under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, one of the key principles is that eligible households source their own accommodation in the private rented sector, which best suits their needs in their area of choice. Part 4 of the 2014 Act sets out restrictions (not in operation at present) on paying housing assistance in regeneration areas and areas where there is a need to counteract undue social segregation. My Department is currently examining this provision.

My Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review. In general, I am satisfied with the operation of HAP scheme and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.