Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We do not want to give money to those who do not deserve it. However, we must provide housing for people by whatever means possible. There are various methods available to us in this regard. The programme for Government contains a proposal in respect of transferring responsibility for rent subsidy from the Department of Social Protection to local authorities. This is the right way to proceed because it will mean that those who are on housing lists will be treated in the same way. In addition, people will be allowed to make choices that are appropriate to their needs at a particular time. This is a positive move. What I have outlined will commence next year.

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