Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2015
39. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the extension of the Threshold tenancy protection service to County Cork; her plans to extend this service to other areas in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9369/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently approximately 70,700 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €298 million for 2015.
I am acutely aware of the difficulties people are experiencing in maintaining affordable rented accommodation in areas of high demand in the current market. The Department has put measures in place to ensure that the housing needs of rent supplement customers who are at risk of homelessness are addressed by providing for increased flexibility within the administration of the rent supplement scheme. Notices were circulated to all Community Welfare Service staff reminding them of their discretionary power to award, on a case by case basis, a supplement for rental purposes in such circumstances in July and December 2014. A National Framework has also been developed to ensure that appropriate supports continue to be provided throughout the country in a consistent manner.
The Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol, introduced in the Dublin region during 2014, has assisted approximately 380 families to date through increased rental payments. The protocol was extended to Cork city effective from 26 January 2015 and a small number of cases in this area are being considered for increased payments in excess of the maximum rent limits.
The Department continues to monitor the measures in place to ensure that the appropriate supports are in place for rent supplement recipients and the Dublin protocol has recently being extended to include single persons and couples. The Department’s response to the current difficulties in the private rented market remains under close review.
