Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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34. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if the housing assistance payment rates for single applicants will be extended; if so, when these rates will be extended in cases in which the options that are available to a HAP approved applicant cannot get accommodation within their allowed limits to ensure that they do not become homeless; if the rates will be increased on a case by case basis in cases in which there are extenuating circumstances; if so, the way that an applicant can get their rate extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32877/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme plays a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of 2021, over 100,000 HAP tenancies had been set-up since the scheme commenced, of which there were more than 61,900 households actively in receipt of HAP support.

Local authorities have discretion, because of local rental market conditions, to exceed the maximum rent limit by up to 20%, or up to 50% in the Dublin region for those households either in, or at immediate risk of homelessness. It is a matter for each local authority to determine whether the application of a discretionary increase is warranted, and the level of such an increase, on a case-by-case basis.

Under Housing for All, my Department was tasked to undertake an analytical exercise to examine whether an increase in the level of the 20% discretion available to local authorities under the HAP is required, in order to maintain adequate levels of HAP support.

Following this analysis, I am working with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide for an increase in the HAP discretion rate to 35% and, for new tenancies, to expand the couple’s rate to single persons where required. Further details will be available when the engagement process is complete. These changes will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness.