Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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73. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will address a matter in relation to HAP (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13584/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Tenants in the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme are required to sign a rent contribution agreement to pay a weekly rental contribution to the relevant local authority, in line with the local authority’s differential rent scheme. As set out in the rent contribution agreement, this weekly rental contribution must be paid by them so that they remain eligible for the HAP scheme.

The HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages the collection of all HAP tenants’ differential rents, on behalf of the relevant local authority, and the payment of all HAP rents to landlords on behalf of tenants supported by the HAP scheme. The HAP SSC follows a clear communication policy if rental arrears issues arise. This policy includes regular and early written communication with tenants, landlords and the relevant local authority.

HAP tenants in arrears should contact their local authority and the HAP SSC to discuss all options that are available, one of which includes a payment plan, to ensure the continuation of their HAP support.