The family of a corporal who served with the Defence Forces for 17 years have been refused rented accommodation by landlords unwilling to accept the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

The family have now been forced to register as homeless and Fianna Fail Defence spokesperson Lisa Chambers is calling for clarity on the issue as to whether it is legal.

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She said: "My understanding is that a person in receipt of HAP cannot be discriminated against when renting and landlords cannot refuse to rent accommodation because a person is receiving a social welfare payment.

"This issue also highlights the challenges facing members of the Defence Force in making ends meet on a day to day basis. There has been a significant exodus from the service in recent years because of deteriorating terms and conditions. The retention crisis has been well documented and events like this will not help."

(CD)