Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The substantial process that is under way recognises that the rent supplement scheme is starting to be used to support people on rent supplement in the long term, which is not what it was originally designed to do. It was designed to assist individuals with a specific need for a short period until they could sort themselves out. When it was observed that the scheme had expanded beyond what was originally intended, the Departments of Social and Family Affairs and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government started to work with the local authorities on the rental accommodation scheme. As I said in my reply, we hope to complete that process by the end of next year. The local authorities are not capable of doing it overnight. It is intended that when that process has been completed, the rent supplement scheme will revert to its original purpose as a scheme under which short-term individual payments can be made in individual circumstances to support those who need such help. We are now trying to bring the scheme back to what it should be, in line with many of the points made by Deputies Shortall and Enright. I accept that it will take some time, but I do not accept that we are doing nothing. Time will tell whether the process that is under way will be successful. The points made by Deputies Shortall and Enright today and in previous debates will be taken into account in the review of the rent supplement scheme that is under way. Many people who receive payments under the scheme are being asked to make top-up payments and meet all sorts of conditions. Such matters will come to the fore when I see what the position is on foot of the review. I have not ignored the issue. I listened carefully the other day. Colleagues on all sides of the House have approached me on this issue. We will have a look at it.

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