Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Ellis that we need to look at rent control but we do not have it here right now. Whether we like it or not, the current position is that the money is going into landlords' pockets and the question is whether we leave it with the Deposit Protection Service, DSP. What was meant to be a short-term payment of rent supplement effectively has become long-term for many people because of lack of capital to build houses etc. and a variety of reasons I am sure the Deputy does not want me to go into now. The reality is that the money is going into the pockets of the private landlords already. One of the core objectives of the scheme is to bring all social housing supports under the umbrella of local government of which the housing assistance payment, HAP, is one. That will enable the State provide a more integrated and streamlined service for households seeking support to meet housing costs. That is the purpose of doing it.

I am aware that it is getting more difficult to get a landlord who will accept rent supplement at the caps available. One of the reasons is that they are not certain they will get their money. That is not the only reason but it is one of the factors-----