Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

In Louth the authority has enough staff but the problem is that landlords will not sign up to the scheme because the cap is too low. It might be fine in other counties but it should not apply in towns such as Drogheda, which is now in the greater Dublin area. This cap requires significant adjustment if the money is to be spent. The money is available and I acknowledge that the Minister must balance the setting of the cap against the desire of landlords to acquire rental income over the odds. There is a fundamental flaw in the rent allowance scheme but I do not have a problem with it per se because it helps certain people.

See this speech in context