Ms Niamh O'Donoghue:

The limit applicable to a couple or one-parent family with one child was €775 per month in 2012. From 17 June this year, that rate increased to €850 per month. Across the spectrum, the lowest increase was €20 for a couple sharing, whereas other increases were in the order of €45, €50 or, in some instances, €75.

The Deputy mentioned top-ups, which can arise in two circumstances. First, if someone is entitled to rent supplement but the primary scheme under which he or she receives a payment allows him or her to earn an income, an agreement is possible whereby the individual can stay in accommodation of a higher standard if he or she is in a position to make an adjustment to the rent supplement. That is perfectly legitimate. As the Deputy referenced and has been alleged to us, under-the-counter top-ups are being made in some instances. This is not within the confines of the scheme and forms part of the reason our inspectorate has additional powers to query rent information with landlords. It is also why we have data exchanges with the Private Residential Tenancies Board and the Revenue Commissioners, providing for a multi-agency approach to this potential problem.

Second, we will pay above the rent limit in certain instances. For example, if accommodation has been adapted for someone with a disability and the rent is higher, the community welfare officer has discretion to pay above the rent limit.

While limits are in place for the majority of tenancies, some exceptions are acceptable within the confines of the scheme. If there is evidence to suggest top-ups are happening outside the scheme, we would be interested in receiving that information.