Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 March 2019
680. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of rent supplement at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12087/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent supplement continues to play a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 23,300 recipients for which the Government has provided €132.4 million for 2019.
The Department can confirm that rent allowance is being paid to 9 residents in the facility referred to by the Deputy, in appropriate accommodation of their choosing.
The strategic goal of returning rent supplement to its original purpose, that of a short-term income support, has been primarily facilitated by the introduction of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). The “Rebuilding Ireland - Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness (July 2016), reiterated in the “Housing First National Implementation Plan 2018-2021” (September 2018), is to provide 87,000 flexible housing supports through the HAP and Rental Accommodation Scheme between 2016 and 2021. As part of this commitment will be the transfer of those out of rent supplement with long-term housing needs to HAP with a targeted completion date of these transfers by the end of 2020.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
