Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

601. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the amount spent on the housing assistance payment per annum since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22334/18]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

602. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of recipients of the housing assistance payment since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22335/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 602 together.

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is funded through a combination of Exchequer monies and tenant differential rents collected in respect of HAP tenancies. Budget 2018 has increased the Exchequer funding for the HAP scheme by €149m to €301 million. This will allow for the continued support of existing HAP households and also enable the additional 17,000 households targeted under Rebuilding Ireland to be supported by HAP in 2018.

In relation to the Deputy's query regarding the amount spent on, and the number of households in receipt of, the Housing Assistance Payment on an annual basis, the relevant details are set out in the table.

I am satisfied with how the HAP scheme is currently operating and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme under Rebuilding Ireland. My Department will, of course, continue to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review.