Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister for his response. I welcome this move. I have always felt that this was not an issue for the welfare officers of the HSE and that it was a matter for the local authority housing departments, albeit that some people will have short-term housing need.

I have an issue with families being on rent subsidy payment for six to eight years. Will we put in place rules to determine the length of time one can stay on rent subsidy payments? Originally we were told that rent subsidy payments would last for three to four years and then people would be housed. The period has been extended and in some cases people are in receipt of a rent subsidy payment for eight years. That does not make sense. I am glad to hear that there will be no job losses as staff can be transferred under the Croke Park agreement. Some of the staff in the local authorities feared they would be swamped with work and I am delighted to learn that this issue will be looked at. I will contribute as best I can when we next discuss this issue.

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