Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I ask him to convey to the Minister, Deputy Joan Burton, the need for greater flexibility. In some of the areas I represent, which include Ringsend, Sandymount, Pearse Street, Ranelagh and Rathmines, the very high levels of unemployment mean there is exceptional demand for the rent supplement scheme. Many of those seeking to rent homes in these areas grew up there and have family support nearby. It is simply not possible, however, to secure accommodation with the maximum allowance. Rent on a two-bedroom unit in parts of south-east Dublin ranges from €1,500 to €2,000 per month, which exceeds even the limit for two adults and three children under the scheme, which is €950.

An effective reform would be to transfer control of the scheme to the local authorities, with a differential rent scheme whereby the council makes up the difference with the help of an allocation from central government. Such an initiative would allow people to continue living within their own communities and also prevent rent supplement from serving as a poverty trap.

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