Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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This matter has come to my attention recently as rents in the Kildare North constituency have increased by €200 per month. These increases have left recipients of rent supplement in a difficult situation because the HSE has refused to increase supports in line with increases. I realise that neither the HSE nor the Department can be seen to subsidise landlords. However, people in receipt of rent support, based on the guidelines already laid down, have two options. They can either leave their accommodation and sleep in the open air or receive support from family or friends. I have several constituents who are sleeping in the open air. This may work well while the weather is mild but when it becomes less mild, it could lead to dangerous situations for these individuals.

Will the HSE and the Department of Social and Family Affairs identify the increases necessary to ensure those in receipt of rent supplements can continue in their accommodation? While negotiations on such a process cannot leave it open-ended, it should be urgently addressed. I know the Minister for Social and Family Affairs is a caring person and is conscious of these matters. I ask that he address this issue without delay. Every Member will have received calls in recent times regarding this matter.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Teachta as an cheist thábhachtach seo a ardú. Gabhaim leithscéal mar nach bhfuil an tAire Gnóthaí Sóisialacha agus Teaghlaigh i láthair, ach d'iarr sé orm an freagra seo a thabairt ar a shon.

The purpose of rent supplement is to assist eligible people who are unable to provide for their immediate accommodation needs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant for rent supplement may incur. These rent limits, provided for in regulations, are set at levels that enable the different categories of eligible tenant households to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State.

Setting maximum rent limits higher than justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodationon, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes. Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the HSE may in certain circumstances exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure, for example in cases where the person concerned is entitled to an income disregard and has sufficient income to meet his or her basic needs after paying rent, taking into account the appropriate rate of rent supplement that is otherwise payable in the case; where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances, such as disabled persons in specially adapted accommodation or homeless persons; or where the tenant will be in a position to reassume responsibility for his or her rent within a short period. This discretionary power ensures individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness.

In January 2007 the Department of Social and Family Affairs completed a review of the maximum levels of rent which a person may incur and still be eligible to receive a rent supplement. The purpose of the review process was to ensure the new rent limits applicable from January 2007 reflect realistic market conditions throughout the State. It also was to ensure they would continue to enable the different categories of eligible tenant households to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation to meet their respective needs. The existing limits are applicable from January 2007 until 30 June 2008. The review involved a broad consultation process and included consultation with the HSE, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and voluntary agencies working in this area.

There are over 58,700 rent supplements in payment, of which 23,819 have been awarded since the current rent limits were set in January 2007. There are 2,263 rent supplements in payment in County Kildare, of which 831 were awarded since January 2007. These statistics show the rented accommodation is available within the current rent limits in County Kildare and elsewhere. All limits will be reviewed again next year. Any revision found to be necessary will be implemented from 1 July 2008.

If Deputy Durkan has particular cases in mind, it is recommended that those concerned should approach their local community welfare officer to discuss the circumstances of their case having regard to their particular accommodation needs.