asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will implement the recommendation of the report of the Commission on Social Welfare that a housing benefit be introduced to help families who due to financial problems are unable to meet their mortgage repayments and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Commission on Social Welfare.
81.
There is already a provision under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme for payment of an allowance to social welfare recipients who have difficulties in meeting rent or mortgage repayments.
The recommendation of the Commission on Social Welfare concerning the introduction of housing benefit has wide-ranging implications for a number of schemes administered by my Department and requires detailed discussions with the Department of the Environment. However, the proposal is being examined at present in the context of the overall review of the Commission's report.