Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 5

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Michael Ring

Question:

361 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if family members in third-level education are taken into account as full-time residents of the dwelling when councils calculate rents for tenants under the rent differential scheme; if so, his views on whether this is equitable; if he will instruct local authorities to include such family members as residents of the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25060/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

The making and amending of rent schemes is the responsibility of local authorities as an integral part of their housing management functions, subject to certain broad principles laid down by my Department including a requirement that allowances should be made for dependent children. The age and/or other qualifying circumstances in relation to the allowance for dependent children are matters for the local authority to determine and it is not proposed to change this position.