Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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459. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of HAP tenancies where there is a family relationship between the landlord and the tenant. [55430/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme is deemed to be a social housing support under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. As a long term housing support, an assessment of housing need must be completed in order for a household to qualify for HAP. Any household with an identified housing need is eligible for HAP.

In order for housing assistance to be provided under the Act the housing authority must be satisfied that the tenancy concerned is or would be a tenancy in good faith. Where there is a family relationship between the tenant and the landlord, the housing authority may seek evidence of a previous landlord and tenant relationship between a landlord and HAP applicant. This evidence may include:

• Proof of rent payments;
• A lease or tenancy agreement for the property; and
• Registration of the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board.

HAP support is available to tenants in rent a room scheme arrangements; however, the rental of a room to a civil partner, son or daughter are excluded from this scheme. HAP cannot be paid where the tenant is seeking to rent within the family home. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the housing authority to make a decision in each individual case.

My Department does not hold the information requested in relation to the number of HAP tenancies where there is a family relationship between the landlord and the tenant.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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460. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government how many landlords where such HAP tenancies currently exist, had other tenancies previously been registered with the RTB, prior to the commencement of current 'family relationship' tenancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55431/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA), to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants and as such, the registration of tenancies is an operational matter for the RTB.

My Department does not hold the details sought by the Deputy. However, arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies to members of the Oireachtas. The RTB has set up a dedicated email address for this purpose and may be contacted at OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie to establish the extent to which it may hold the information sought.