Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
669. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an investigation will be carried out into a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42721/17]
View answerUnder the legislative provisions governing the award of rent supplement, the Department’s relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is made to the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs. There is no direct relationship between the landlord and the Department in the administration of the scheme.
Separate to these arrangements is the contract between the tenant and landlord under a tenancy agreement. This is personal to them and is subject to the legislative framework provided under the Residential Tenancies Acts. In the event of non-compliance with a tenancy contract, a complaint may be made to the Residential Tenancies Board, RTB, by either the landlord or the tenant. The RTB may make a Determination Order arising from any such complaint, with enforcement proceedings available through the Courts. This Department has no role in this debt recovery process.
The case in question has been examined on several occasions in response to enquiries from the landlord. He has been made aware of the Department’s position in relation to this case. A further full examination of the case will be undertaken and a response will be provided directly to the Deputy.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
