Convicted drug dealer John Gilligan Sam Boal Sam Boal

JOHN GILLIGAN WILL have to supply proof of income if he is to apply to Dublin City Council for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), which is funded by the taxpayer.

The Irish Independent reports that Gilligan, a convicted drug trafficker, presented himself at council offices in Blanchardstown last week, claiming he is facing homelessness.

The HAP offers social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need.

Last month, Gilligan lost his Supreme Court appeal to hold onto assets seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau.

Jessbrook Equestrian Centre Eamonn Farrell Eamonn Farrell

The ruling resulted in him losing three properties, including Jessbrook equestrian centre in Kildare.

Gilligan – who claimed the properties were acquired with legitimate funds – has no further appeal options.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney. Sam Boal Sam Boal

When asked about the issue today, Housing Minister Simon Coveney said:

Well, I don’t want to talk too much about John Gilligan. But all I can say is anyone is entitled to apply for HAP and they will go through a housing needs assessment and if they qualify they qualify. That will be a decision for a housing officer making a housing needs assessment.

However, the minister pointed out the housing needs assessment is primarily based on income.

“So, obviously there needs to be a credible explanation as regards income and where it comes from and so on, so whatever housing officer is assessing John Gilligan they will have to make appropriate decisions around that,” said Coveney.

Gilligan was acquitted for the murder of Sunday Independent journalist Veronica Guerin. In 2001, he was sentenced to 28 years in prison for drug trafficking.

The 65-year-old was released from prison in 2014.

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