There are now no properties available to rent in Ireland within standard rate of HAP

There are no properties available to rent in Ireland within the standard rate Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) for the first time ever, according to new figures released by the Simon Community.

Overall, there are just 35 properties available for people reliant on HAP, according to Simon's 'Locked Out of the Market' report.

HAP is a social welfare support for people who have long-term housing needs. It is operated by local authorities.

The Simon Community has described the payment as useless, given the current state of the rental market.

Speaking on Newstalk Radio, Simon Communities Head of Policy, Wayne Stanley, backed calls for an eviction ban.

"I think we're at a stage where that's an imperative," Mr Stanley said.

"In and of itself, it's not an answer to this crisis, but what it will create is breathing space.

"What we are seeing is currently 3,220 children in homelessness.

"During the moratorium on evictions during the Covid period, we saw a fall, particularly in family homelessness. We hope to see that replicated," he said.

Meanwhile, the Irish Examiner reports that an evictions ban will go before Cabinet as early as Tuesday if Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien gets the go-ahead from Coalition leaders.

Government leaders are expected to decide on Monday about the ban which would likely be introduced in December and run until the end of March.