Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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276. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to provide a solution for homeless charities in relation to HAP (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14329/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Rent Supplement is a means-tested payment for certain people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation from their own resources.

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. It is available in all local authority areas and its introduction now ensures that all social housing supports can be accessed through the local authorities, allowing tenants to take up full-time employment and keep their housing support, subject to adjustment of their differential rent.

HAP is paid directly to landlords and may be payable to Approved Housing Bodies who can demonstrate that they are entitled to be landlords of a particular property. This might include long term lease arrangements where the AHB is entitled to be a landlord in a property they have leased.

HAP would only be payable following submission of a valid application completed by the tenant and landlord. AHBs would also be required to confirm that there has been no other State funding provided in respect of the particular property to ensure no double funding arises.

My Department has contacted the charity referred to for specific details and will liaise with the Local Authority and charity to identify potential mechanisms to facilitate the best outcome for the social housing tenants involved.