Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 May 2013
134. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has received a submission from the Simon Community regarding the review of rent supplement limits; if so, the action she will take regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26333/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are approximately 86,000 recipients of rent supplement for which the Government has provided over €403 million in 2013. As the Department funds almost 30% of the private rented sector it is essential that State support for rents are continually kept under review and reflect current market conditions.
The recent rent review process involved the Department seeking submissions from a number of organisations, including the Simon Community. A submission has been received from the Simon Community and was considered as part of the review.
I previously committed to a review of maximum rent limits by June with new limits in place from July. However, I plan to advise the results of the review to my Government colleagues within the next week with new rent limits expected to be in place in June.
