Rent Supplement Scheme Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Ceisteanna (683)

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

683. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm if the freephone number for the central rents unit serving Dublin 15 has been moved, and replaced with a Lo-call number; if so if she will re-instate the freephone number given the difficulties it is causing rent supplement applicants, many of whom have very limited means and for whom the expense of ringing the Lo-call number is prohibitive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37698/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The freephone number which operated for the Central Rents Unit serving Dublin 15 was operational while the Unit was attached to the HSE. This number was attached to the HSE building housing the Unit and did not transfer with the Unit to the Department. A Lo-call number was then implemented for the Unit.

The Central Rent Unit dealing with parts of Dublin 15 is keeping all means of contact under review to ensure that clients are able to access it as required and in this regard will shortly introduce a central email address so that customers will have an additional method of communication.