Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012
374 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the rent supplement measures available to young persons living in emergency accommodation and at risk of homelessness in view of the serious issues raised by several housing and homeless charities in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36336/12]
View answer375 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons aged 18 to 24 years classed as homeless and in receipt of a reduced social assistance payment, namely jobseeker’s allowance or supplementary welfare allowance; if discussions have taken place between her Department and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to discuss the high cost of emergency homeless accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36337/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.
Rent supplement is subject to a means test which is normally calculated to ensure that, after payment of rent, an eligible person has income equal to the rate of basic supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution. The weekly minimum contribution payable for a single person is €30.
I understand that Deputies have been contacted with regard to these issues following a campaign by Focus Ireland. My officials met with Focus Ireland in May, 2012 in relation to their concerns. These are being examined and further discussions are planned.
The Department's role with regard to persons who are homeless is mainly income maintenance. Under the social welfare system, homeless people have entitlements to the full range of social welfare schemes, including supplementary welfare allowance and associated supplements, subject to the normal qualifying conditions.
The Department, through its work in the Homeless Persons Unit and the Asylum Seekers and New Communities Unit provides assistance to people in sourcing the most appropriate accommodation available. In addition, prison and hospital in-reach services are provided to explore accommodation options and, where necessary, liaising with local authorities to identify and source the most appropriate accommodation available for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This ensures that where possible, people are diverted away from homeless services and towards community-based supports.
Statistics are not available on the number of young persons aged 18 to 24 years classed as homeless and in receipt of a reduced social assistance payment or supplementary welfare allowance. Preliminary figures to end June 2012 show that there were 63,835 persons under 25 years in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance and 5,728 in receipt of basic supplementary welfare allowance.
Officials from the Department of Social Protection engage on an ongoing basis with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government on a range of housing issues and the issue of the cost of emergency homeless accommodation can arise as part of these discussions. My Department is also represented on the Cross Departmental Team on Homelessness chaired by the Minister of State with special responsibility for Housing and Planning.
