Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

We must find a balance in terms of dealing with this issue.

I wish to address the issue of transition from homelessness to accommodation under the rent supplement scheme. Yesterday, I asked the Minister to request the Minister for Finance to negotiate with the banks to ensure people do not lose their homes by the putting in place of a stay on foreclosures during the period of operation of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008. I believe that is a reasonable request and is the least taxpayers are entitled to from the credit institutions given they have put their necks on the line for banks.

Many homes for rent are advertised in the newspapers. Often, when a constituent seeks guidance or assistance in renting accommodation and one rings seven or eight of the numbers listed in respect of accommodation to rent one is told they do not accept rent subsidy. The reason some landlords are refusing to accept rent subsidy must ring an alarm bell somewhere. I believe that almost certainly they are not tax compliant. This matter warrants investigation and I hope such investigation will take place.

The issue of deposits is of concern to all Deputies and local authority members. I wonder if it would be possible to provide that, rather than pay a cash deposit, a local authority or community welfare officer would give a guarantee of standing in respect of a deposit in the event it is needed. We all know that in 90% of cases deposits are unnecessary as the process of transition is usually quite reasonable. The introduction of a guarantee scheme that does not involve the exchange of cash and so on might be the best option for all. I hope the Minister will consider my proposition.

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