Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach will be aware of a report issued some time ago by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the rent supplement scheme. One of the commitments in the programme for Government is to more fully integrate the tax and social welfare systems to allow for more efficient data and money transfer. Currently, more than €400 million per annum is expended on the rent supplement scheme. The ultimate recipient of this money, which first goes to tenants, is the landlord. We do not have an efficient system in place to ensure landlords pay tax on the money they receive through the rent supplement allowance. What progress has been made in this matter and is further progress likely? The Exchequer would save a considerable amount of money if the taxes due were paid.

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