Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Mr. Peter Finnegan on his appointment today.

Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 61,000 people for which the Government has provided approximately €267 million for 2016. Properties are being secured under the scheme with over 20,100 rent supplement tenancies awarded during 2015. In view of the reduction of supply in the private rented market and increasing rents at this time, the Department has implemented a policy approach that allows for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of the limits for both existing customers and new applicants to the rent supplement scheme. The circumstances of tenants are considered on a case-by-case basis and rents are being increased above prescribed limits, as appropriate. In addition, the Department, in conjunction with Threshold, operates a special protocol in the Dublin and Cork areas where supply issues are particularly acute, with plans under way to extend this to Galway City.

This flexible approach has assisted over 5,800 households nationwide to retain their rented accommodation through increased rent payments. Persons in receipt of rent supplement who may be at risk of losing their tenancy as a result of increases in rent are urged to contact their local welfare services or Threshold, which operates the sustainable services, without delay.

I believe that these measures and the reforms to the private rental sector as recently announced by Government will provide increased stability in what has become a highly volatile rental market. I am continuing to keep this matter under close review.

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