John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It has been stated repeatedly that the varying rent levels nationwide are intended to fall in with the cost of rent in the private sector. However, if, for example, one takes a one-parent family or a couple in Waterford with one child, they must comply with a rent limit of €475 per month. The average for all dwellings let in Waterford in the final quarter of last year was €540. These are the Minister's own figures, as well as figures from the average rent database of the Private Residential Tenancies Board, PRTB. Consequently, it is incorrect to think rental levels are at one countrywide. Second, I believe the rents are only reviewed every 18 months. Moreover, decisions are taken at central or national level, often by people who are far removed from the reality facing tenants in receipt of rent supplement who are put to the pins of their collars trying to find a place to rent. I will provide an example to the Minister.

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