Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

It is effectively a long-term benefit. Irrespective of long-term plans, the reality is that the rent supplement scheme is a critical element of current housing strategy, whether we like it or not. The Minister must deal with this reality.

The Minister referred to those in receipt of rent supplement on a long-term basis being transferred to RAS. That is fine in theory, but in practice the reality is that the number of units which are available under the scheme is completely inadequate. Some 1,200 people are on the scheme's waiting list in the Dublin city area. Many people have contacted me to tell me they would love to participate in the scheme, but not enough units are available for them. Those who are waiting have no choice but to remain on rent supplement in the meantime and for the foreseeable future. If the Minister speaks to any of the officials dealing with the rental accommodation scheme at local level, he will learn that the same thing is happening in most of this country's big suburban areas.

In his lengthy commentary on the rent supplement scheme, the Minister made no reference to the issue of illegal top-ups, with which all Deputies are familiar. It is a silent issue in that it is just beneath the surface, but it is real nonetheless. Tenants in vulnerable circumstances are caught in a bind. They have no choice but to pay the illegal top-ups which are demanded. The Minister knows this is a widespread problem, but he has not responded to my comments on it. What does he intend to do to deal with the issue of tenants being required to pay illegal top-ups? What action will be taken against landlords who illegally impose such charges on tenants, having declared that their rent is a certain amount? What will the Minister do about it? Can I ask the Chair whether time restrictions apply to this debate?

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