Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

454 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the South Eastern Health Board has refused a rent supplement to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford due to the fact that his landlord has failed to provide verification of his tenancy and rent payments; his views on whether the onus to prove tenancy and rent payments is on a tenant who is vulnerable to eviction and in no position to demand this proof from a landlord; if he will request that the health board seek verification of tenancy and rent by some alternative means in order that this tenant can avail of his entitlement to rent supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7945/99]

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

The person in question has not applied for and has never been in receipt of a rent supplement from the South-Eastern Health Board but has now been advised to apply.

The purpose of rent supplements is to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible persons living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source.

Entitlement to a rent supplement is determined by the health boards in accordance with the appropriate legislative provisions. The health board must be satisfied that the claimant is a bona fide tenant, in need of accommodation and is unable to provide for it from his own resources.

While the onus is on the individual to provide proof of tenancy, the person concerned has been informed that any proof of tenancy will be accepted, for example, a contract, a rent book or receipt. In that regard, I understand that the landlord in question has provided the necessary documentary evidence for other tenants on previous occasions.

The health board has also informed the person concerned that it will assist him in every way possible on receipt of an application for rent supplement at the current address or at any other address should the person choose to seek alternative accommodation.