Vol. 447 No. 1
102 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Finance when it is intended to implement the promise made in the Programme for Partnership Government, 1993 to 1997, to introduce an income tax allowance for tenants of private rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3492/94]
It is important to note that the Programme for Government, which covers a five-year period, makes clear that all its commitments are subject to the overriding budgetary targets contained therein.
103 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of payments and amounts paid out by health boards in rent allowances to single people living within 20 miles of their families; the criteria for such payments in view of the fact that different community welfare officers seem to adopt differing standards in deciding whether the applicants were forced to leave home or did so of their own accord. [2998/94]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme allows health boards to assist eligible people with the cost of private rented accommodation or mortgage interest payments.
There is no information available on the number of rent allowances in payment to single people living within 20 miles of their families.
At the end of July 1994, there were approximately 30,000 rent supplement cases in payment in all health boards. It is estimated that 12,900 or 43 per cent of these cases are single people with no child dependants. It is estimated that 7,200 of the 12,900 cases are under 25 years of age. This represents 24 per cent of total rent supplement cases in payment.
