In Reply to: what on earth are the hse doing paying rent posted by Huh on March 03, 2009 at 20:10:39:

The private landlords aren't asked to do the job of police- they are the first port of call if there are complaints about the behaviour of tenants, though.

Major public order offences are issues for the police, but they will usually want confirmation that the landlord has been approached and resolution attempted before getting involved in less serious issues.

Community welfare officers are employed by the HSE (AFAIK) and it's part of their responsibility to administer rent supplement (along with other schemes). I couldn't honestly explain the reasoning behind them being part of the HSE.