681. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if assistance will be provided to a person (details supplied) to prevent them and their children presenting as homeless. [4479/26]

Tenants in the HAP scheme are required to sign a rent contribution agreement to pay a weekly rental contribution to the relevant local authority, in line with the local authority’s differential rent scheme. As set out in the rent contribution agreement, this weekly rental contribution must be paid by them so that they remain eligible for the HAP scheme. Where a person has a change of circumstances, such as a loss of income, they should notify the relevant local authority. The local authority can reassess those tenants and adjust their differential rent accordingly.

The HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages the collection of all HAP tenants’ differential rents, on behalf of the relevant local authority, and the payment of all HAP rents to landlords on behalf of tenants supported by the HAP scheme. The HAP SSC follows a clear communication policy if rental arrears issues arise. This policy includes regular and early written communication with tenants, landlords and the relevant local authority.

The approach taken by the HAP SSC has been very effective: at the end of Q3 2025, the scheme had a 99% differential rent collection rate, with minimal arrears arising for tenants or local authorities. Therefore, only a very small number of tenants have fallen into difficulty with their differential rent.

In addition since 1 May 2023, the HAP Landlord Payment Guarantee has been in place. This means that when a HAP tenant defaults on their differential rent payment to the local authority and reaches suspension stage, they are offered the option of a payment plan to assist them in maintaining their tenancy and allow the HAP payment to the landlord to continue. If the tenant defaults on payment of differential rent or the payment plan, the HAP payment to the landlord will be guaranteed for a 12-month period or earlier if the tenancy ends.

HAP tenants in arrears should contact their local authority and the HAP SSC to discuss the options that are available to them.

The administration of the HAP scheme is a matter for the relevant local authority and it is the responsibility of the local authority to make a decision in each individual case.