Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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682. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1930 to 1933, inclusive, of 6 September 2019, the number of exits from HAP per category indicated in the reply; the number of these exits which were into long-term local authority or voluntary housing agency vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37671/19]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) supported tenancies are agreed between the landlord and the tenant. It is important to note that the local authority is not a party to the tenancy and has no role in its agreement. There is no limitation placed by the scheme on the length of tenancy that can be supported by  HAP. However, as with other private rental tenancies, the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended) governs the relationship between landlord and tenant and the length of the tenancy is a matter that must be agreed between the landlord and tenant in that context.

At the end of Q2 2019, a total of 14,478 households were reported on the HAP Shared Services Centre system as having exited HAP. This included tenant led exits; compliance exits; transfers to other forms of social housing; and landlord exits. This report is based on cessations as submitted by local authorities. Reasons for these cessations are typically provided by the tenant and/or landlord. 

The following table details the total number of closed/exit tenancies at the end of Q2 2019.

In cases where a HAP supported tenancy ends, the tenant can find alternative accommodation and retain their eligibility for HAP support or the local authority may decide to offer another form of social housing support to the tenant in accordance with their scheme of letting priorities. 

I continue to keep the operation of HAP under review and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting current housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme set out in Rebuilding Ireland.