Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The majority of people I know currently living in the private rented sector in the County Laois area are paying more than that allowed under the rent supplement scheme. In other words, if the cap is €100 people typically are paying €110 to €130.

The most vulnerable people are also paying the minimum contribution of €30 for a single person or €45. This is how it is being gotten around. I know from filling out housing forms for people that one cannot set out what one is paying. The councils are aware of this. I use this information with council officials as a lever to get people housed because their contribution may be €80 or €100 out of a very small income.

There is a wide variation in the rents charged by local authorities under the differential rents scheme. I found a significant variation between a town council and a county council located 60 miles apart. The differential rent scheme is currently set out by the Minister. Under the new regime, will an element of discretion be left to councils? I am aware that councillors will have an input into setting rents under the Bill.