Vol. 500 No. 3
92 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the cost of rent supplement and mortgage interest supplement in the South Eastern Health Board region for each of the years from 1992 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3902/99]
Statistics on the total expenditure on rent and mortgage interest supplements in the South Eastern Health Board from 1994 to 1999 are shown in the following tabular statement.
Detailed information relating to rent and mortgage supplementation prior to 1994 is not available.
Expenditure on rent supplements in the South Eastern Health Board region has increased substantially over the last five years. In recent years, this reflects increases in rent levels rather than recipient numbers. Expenditure on mortgage interest supplements fell in 1998, compared to 1997, reflecting more favourable economic conditions, especially lower interest rates and lower unemployment.
An interdepartmental committee, under the aegis of the Department of the Environment and Local Government, is currently examining the implications of transferring the administration of rent and mortgage interest supplements to the local authorities. I understand that its report will be finalised shortly.
South Eastern Health Board
Expenditure of Rent and Mortgage
Interest Supplements
|
Year |
Rent |
Mortgage |
Total |
|
1994 |
2.31 |
0.51 |
2.82 |
|
1995 |
2.87 |
0.56 |
3.43 |
|
1996 |
3.68 |
0.59 |
4.27 |
|
1997 |
4.73 |
0.60 |
5.33 |
|
1998 (P) |
5.96 |
0.58 |
6.54 |
|
1999 (*) |
0.55 |
0.04 |
0.59 |
