Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 March 2014
16. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on media reports that a family in Dublin have been forced out of their home due to a €400 monthly rent hike which they could not afford due to the cap on rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10467/14]
View answer25. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the most recent available data (details supplied) clearly shows that market rents in north east portion of County Kildare are 80% higher than those in southern Kildare for a three bedroom accommodation; if she considers the average 12% higher rate of rent supplement limit for the north east Kildare region adequate in view of the fact that the difference in market rents is far more extreme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that average market rents in north east Kildare are at the same level as west Dublin even though rent supplement limits are much higher for the latter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10340/14]
View answer32. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to address the rising crisis of homelessness amongst families recently highlighted by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive; her views on the contribution that the rent supplement caps make to the growing problem of homelessness; and if she has discussed the matter with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in the wake of the DRHE report. [10346/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 25 and 32 together.
There are currently approximately 78,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €344 million for 2014.
Following an extensive review of the private rental market revised maximum rent limits were introduced from Monday 17 June 2013 until 31 December 2014. The purpose of the review is to ensure availability of accommodation for rent supplement tenancies and not to provide access to all housing in all areas while ensuring that maximum value for money is achieved.
Despite the overall pressures on the Social Protection budget, there have been increases in the rent limits in Dublin, Galway, North Kildare and Bray areas.
There are currently 4,090 rent supplement recipients in County Kildare, of which approximately 940 reside in the North Kildare area indicating that it is possible to secure accommodation within the rent limits.
Department officials dealing with rent supplement tenants continue to make every effort to ensure that their accommodation needs are met. In relation to the family referred to in the media, I do not propose to comment further on the details of this particular case other than to advise that the Department is engaging with them.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to media reports last week after the Dublin Region Homeless Executive presented 2013 figures to Dublin City Council, the detail of which has not been published. However, I welcome the publication of the First Report of the Homelessness Oversight Group which was recently presented to Government. The Group's recommendations will be supported by the Department in its roles in supporting those who are homeless.
