Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)

As a result of the budget cuts in rent allowance, it is becoming apparent that sick, mentally ill and vulnerable persons who have been told to negotiate lower rents with their landlords are being refused such reductions or being threatened with homelessness, while fraudulent form filling is also an issue. This is widespread. A housing Bill proposed by the Government is supposed to deal with the mess that is the provision of social housing and supports for those in receipt of rent allowance, but it is unclear when it will be introduced. This is a major issue. Will the legislation be brought forward soon in order that we can discuss the vitally important issue of housing? Does the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government have any proposals to prevent the increase in the level of fraud and the number of vulnerable persons being pushed out of rented accommodation because of cuts in rent allowance?

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