Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2013
462. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in relation to rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32027/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently approximately 93,800 persons in receipt of rent supplement, for which the Government has provided €436m in 2012.
The person concerned has been requested to reduce his portion of the rent to €250.00 per month in order to qualify for the entitlement. Regrettably, if this reduction cannot be obtained the person concerned must seek alternative accommodation that falls within the necessary limits.
