Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 9

Written Answers. - Rent Subsidisation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

145 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the anomaly where tenants/residents of approved non-profit and voluntary housing associations do not have the benefit of a defined income-related rent subsidy scheme whereas tenants of local authorities in similar income circumstances qualify for the differential rent subsidy assistance; in view of the important work carried out by such associations in catering for low income disadvantaged persons, the steps he will take to remove this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly)

The determination of rents in respect of accommodation let by voluntary housing bodies is a matter for the bodies themselves. The rent levels set must, of necessity, take account of the outgoings of the body on the accommodation and any income available to them from other sources. In consideration that the assistance from the State for the provision of the accommodation substantially relieves a body of any borrowing costs, bodies are expected to set rents which are reasonable and, in doing so, to bear in mind the general principles of the differential rents scheme. I have no proposals to change that situation nor do I consider that it would be practical to do so.

However, I understand that, in necessitous cases, tenants of voluntary housing projects may apply, under the supplementary welfare allowances scheme, for assistance towards their rent liabilities.