Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
328. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures in place to ensure against discrimination for those seeking housing whilst in receipt of HAP; the supports in place for those who feel they have been discriminated against; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10146/21]
View answerA landlord or an agent acting on behalf of a landlord is not legally obliged to enter into a tenancy agreement specifically with a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) recipient. However, on 1 January 2016, the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 introduced “housing assistance” as a new discriminatory ground. This means that discrimination in the provision of accommodation, or related service and amenities, against people in receipt of rent supplement, HAP or other social welfare payments is prohibited. Further information is available at www.ihrec.ie/your-rights/i-have-an-issue-with-a-service/i-have-an-issue-about-accommodation/.
If a person feels that he or she has been discriminated against by a landlord or agent, he or she can make a complaint under the Equal Status Acts to the Workplace Relations Commission; further information is available on the Commission's website, www.workplacerelations.ie.
