Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2013
232. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide all circulars issued by his Department to local authorities regarding the operation of the rental accommodation scheme. [15692/13]
View answer233. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the most recent guidelines he has issued to local authorities for determining the applicable rents for rental accommodation scheme properties when entering into a contractual arrangement with the accommodation provider. [15693/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 232 and 233 together.
From the tenants’ perspective, Guidance Note GN010 outlines a suggested approach to the transfer from the mechanism of rent contribution calculation under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) rent supplement scheme to that under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS). This guidance details the underlying principles of the Differential Rent model of calculation under RAS.
Guidance Note GN019 outlines the procedures to be followed by RAS officials when engaging in negotiations with landlords for properties under the RAS.
Circular letter ‘Housing 13/12’ reiterates earlier advice to local authorities on a number of matters relating to the administration and implementation of the Rental Accommodation Scheme including the attainment of value for money.
Following the receipt of an e-mail request from the Deputy on 19 March 2013 to forward any Circular issued by my Department to Local Authorities on the operation of the Rental Accommodation Scheme, copies of all Circulars and Guidance Notes issued to local authorities since 2004 in respect of the scheme were e-mailed to the Deputy on 22 March.
