Stop scare mongering on social housing – Byrne

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Tuesday) called on members of the opposition to stop scaremongering on the issue of the new Housing Assistance Payment, a scheme designed to replace rent supplement.

“I was very concerned to hear misleading and misinformed statements from Sinn Féin today in relation to the Housing Assistance Payment. They are trying to scare people by telling them that they won’t be eligible for social housing, if they are in receipt of HAP. This is completely untrue.

“Minister for Housing, Jan O’Sullivan TD, today confirmed that the new system will provide a route for tenants in receipt of HAP to other forms of social housing. HAP tenants can be included on a transfer list from which they can avail of a range of housing options. Where housing becomes available, local authorities will make provision to allocate available units to people on the transfer list.

“We really need to prioritise increasing the supply of social housing and the Government is focused on this goal. In the meantime we do not need politicians frightening people with misinformation for political gain. Let’s stick to the facts and let the Government get on with the job of increasing housing supply and ensuring access to good quality accommodation for all who need it.”