Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
248. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason a person's (details supplied) rent contribution has been increased by almost half when the person's means has not increased and the differential rent scheme on which the rent contribution calculation is based has not changed since the policy was implemented in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11708/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and administration of the Rental Accommodation Scheme is the responsibility of each local authority. Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 specifically provides that the Minister’s power to issue policy directions and guidelines to housing authorities in relation to their housing functions shall not be construed as enabling the Minister to exercise any power or control in relation to any individual case with which a housing authority is or may be concerned.
I am therefore, precluded by current housing legislation from exercising any power or control or intervening in relation to any individual case being dealt with by a housing authority. This is entirely a matter for the local authority, having regards to their own policies.
