Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

If I heard correctly, rent supplement will continue to be paid in the absence of the availability of another payment. Clearly, only one payment will be made. The Minister of State has also pointed out that there will be a significant change in regard to community welfare offices. Will the rent unit still be there? The Minister of State also suggested that following the changes, a housing needs assessment may not be needed in advance of receiving rent assistance. Will she clarify this?

On social welfare payments, in some parts of the country arrangements are made for people who find themselves homeless. However, in places where there has never been a traditional pattern of homelessness, these arrangements have not followed. In my area, for example, a homeless person will not be provided with accommodation. If we send the person to a place such as Ballyfermot, he or she will be sent back to Kildare. The people concerned do not even have money to pay bus fares. The lack of connections on this issue is disturbing. We must try to develop a uniform arrangement for the whole country. If local authorities have a responsibility to direct people or set up a system with the Department of Social Protection, it must be done in a way that is simple and cost effective for those who find themselves in that position. This is a problem that is emerging.