Housing Assistance Payment Data

Friday, 6 September 2019

Questions (1942)

Seán Fleming

Question:

1942. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of persons on the housing assistant payment scheme at the end of each year from 2014 to 2018; the number of families on the scheme at the end of June 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35074/19]

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Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is a flexible and immediate housing support that is now available to all eligible households throughout the State, following a phased roll out across local authorities over a number of years, commencing in 2014.

Details on the number of households supported by HAP at the end of each year from 2014 to 2018 are set out in the table below:

Year	Number of Households Supported by HAP at year end
2014	485
2015	5,853
2016	16,493
2017	31,228
2018	43,443
2019	48,261 (to end Q2)

My Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review. In general, I am satisfied with the operation of the scheme and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme outlined under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan.