The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is available to all eligible households throughout the State. At the end of Quarter 4, 2018, there were more than 43,400 households in receipt of HAP and over 25,000 separate landlords and agents providing accommodation to households supported by the scheme.
The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) has been an important contributor to social housing supply since its introduction on a pilot basis in 2005. From its commencement to 31 December 2018, some 35,248 households have been transferred from Rent Supplement to RAS. As of the 31st December 2018, 14,092 private RAS tenancies are supported by local housing authorities, in addition to a further 4,823 RAS tenancies jointly supported by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and local housing authorities.
My Department does not hold or collect information in relation to the number of HAP or RAS tenancies in former council owned properties.
HAP and RAS continue to be key vehicles in meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme outlined under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.