Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
396. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 344 of 11 May 2021, the details of all other forms of social housing included in the figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26446/21]
View answerLimerick City and County Council provide a highly effective HAP transactional shared service on behalf of all local authorities. The HAP Shared Services Centre (HAP SSC) manages all HAP related rental transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord but does not capture further details of closed tenancies that transfer to other forms of social housing. The management of individual HAP tenancy exits is a matter for each individual local authority.
Similarly, my Department does not gather specific detail on RAS tenancies moving to other forms of social housing. The management of individual RAS properties is a matter for each individual local authority, in accordance with the contractual arrangements entered into in respect of each property. Under RAS, local authorities retain the responsibility to source further accommodation for a RAS household should the dwelling that the household is living in become unavailable through no fault of their own.
Legislation provides that both HAP and RAS are considered to be forms of social housing support. Households in receipt of HAP and RAS are, therefore, not eligible to remain on the main housing waiting list. However, acknowledging that some households on the waiting list, who avail of HAP and RAS, have expectations that they would receive a more traditional form of social housing support, recipients can avail of a move to other forms of social housing through a transfer list.
RAS and HAP continue to be effective and secure forms of social housing support, and remain a significant part of the suite of social housing options currently available to those who are assessed as being in need of housing support.
