Conor Lenihan
Question:92 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will give an update on the progress to date in relation to the review of the operation of the rent subsidy scheme. [15670/00]
Written Answers. - Rent Subsidy Scheme.
Conor Lenihan
Question:93 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the operation of the rent subsidy scheme; and the Department which should administer the scheme in the future. [15671/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
The Government has decided, in principle, to establish a new local authority rental assistance scheme to replace, in the main, the current arrangements for rent supplementation under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. In April 2000, a planning group under the aegis of my Department began consideration of proposals in relation to new rental assistance arrangements and issues arising in their implementation. It is intended that the Government will take definitive decisions on future arrangements in the light of the group's report before the end of the year.