Rent Supplement Scheme Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2013

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Questions (155)

Alan Farrell

Question:

155. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider the replacement of rent supplement with the proposed housing assistance payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44931/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

In March 2012, the Government approved in principle the transfer of responsibility for recipients of rent supplement with an established housing need from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to local authorities using a new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). On 18 July 2013, the Government approved the introduction of HAP including the provision of funding to the local authorities to cover the costs of accommodating HAP claimants. My Department and the DSP continue to work closely on the legal, policy and operational issues involved in developing and introducing HAP.