Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2015
39. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection in view of the fact the current rent supplement scheme is not fit for purpose and is creating hardship and homelessness for housing applicants, her plans to introduce a revised scheme including increased rent caps and increased rent supplement payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4988/15]
View answerThere are currently approximately 71,500 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €298 million for 2015. I am acutely aware of the difficulties people are experiencing in maintaining affordable rented accommodation in areas of high demand in the current market, including those in receipt of rent supplement in areas of Tipperary. The Department is finalising a review of the maximum rent limits and raising rent limits may not be the solution to the problem as it is likely to add to further rental inflation and could impact, not alone on rent supplement recipients, but also on many lower income workers, their families and students. I am keeping the matter under close review. The Department has put measures in place to ensure that the housing needs of rent supplement customers throughout the country who were a risk of homelessness are addressed by providing for increased flexibility within the administration of the rent supplement scheme. Notices circulated to all Community Welfare Service staff reminding them of their discretionary power to award, on a case by case basis, a supplement for rental purposes in such circumstances in July and December 2014. A National Framework has also been developed to ensure that appropriate supports continue to be provided throughout the country in a consistent manner. The Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol introduced in the Dublin region during 2014 has also been extended to Cork city within the last week.
I would advise the Deputy that he should advise any person in receipt of rent supplement who is at risk of losing their tenancy to contact their local Community Welfare Service responsible for their claim as soon as possible.
