Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

539 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of persons to whom a rent subsidy is being paid in each of the functional areas of the housing authorities in the Waterford constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8995/98]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

At the end of March 1998 there were 710 people in receipt of rent supplements under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in Waterford city and county. This was made up of 525 people in Waterford city and 185 people in Waterford county.

The scheme is administered in Waterford by the South-Eastern Health Board. The Deputy may wish to know that in 1996 an interdepartmental committee was established under the aegis of the Department of the Environment and Local Government, with representatives from the Departments of Health and Children, Social, Community and Family Affairs, and Finance to examine the implications of transferring the administration of rent and mortgage interest supplements to local authorities. It is expected that the committee will report shortly.