Mr. Colm Ward:

Since the standard of one of the lowest in the country was introduced a long time ago, we have made moves in recent years to increase social housing rent. We added a fixed €3 charge about three or four years ago. Approximately two years ago we introduced an additional 10% for households that had incomes in excess of the social housing income threshold. There is a tiered approach to households meaning those who could afford to pay more differential rent are now doing so.