Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

462. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to increase the number of landlords which accept HAP tenancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19697/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is now available to all eligible households throughout the State. There are currently more more than 20,700 households in receipt of HAP, including 7,000 households that were previously supported by Rent Supplement. In excess of 15,000 separate agents and landlords are involved in providing that support.

To date in 2017, an average of 315 additional households a week are having their housing need met by finding private rental accommodation and landlords willing to enter into a tenancy agreement on the basis of HAP support. In order to provide access to information on the scheme to interested parties, a new HAP website, www.hap.ie, was recently launched and provides prospective HAP tenants and landlords with the information that they need to understand how the HAP scheme works. Local authorities are also promoting the scheme to landlords who might be interested in entering into a HAP tenancy.

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