Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1137.To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when he expects HAP rates to be reviewed, given the ever-increasing rise in private rentals, even where rent pressure zones are in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32675/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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A key principle of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is that eligible households source their own accommodation in the private rented market. HAP rent limits are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.

Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment above the prescribed maximum rent limit. Since July 2022 this discretion level was increased to 35% and for new tenancies to extend the couple’s rate to single persons households. Up to 50% discretion can be provided in the case of homeless households in the Dublin region. It is a matter for the local authority to determine, whether, and to what extent, the application of the flexibility is warranted.

I am very conscious of the pressures in the private rental market and my Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review.