Ms Niamh O'Donoghue:

I absolutely recognise there is a problem if there is substandard accommodation, and this is not good enough for the person who must live in it and it is not good enough where the State is involved in paying. However I must be mindful of what our relationship is, which is providing an income support towards meeting a housing need for the individual rather than assessing the standard of accommodation. Absolutely we should, and do, play a full role if we are aware of accommodation not being of good standard and ensuring those who have the appropriate powers take action can do so. Where we are aware there is a problem we will not sanction payment of rent supplement. This is a moving feast because the purpose of rent supplement was supposed to be a very short-term income support.