Results 25,241-25,260 of 40,550 for speaker:Joan Burton
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: On the same date four years previously, there were some 6,700 properties available for rent. The actual solution to this problem will involve the recommencement of housing construction, which the Government is-----
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: Large sums of money have been allocated in respect of housing construction. I hope the level of investment in this regard will rise significantly during the coming period as we seek to increase the rate of construction from approximately 6% of GNP to probably double that figure. That will address the supply issue. Chasing rent increases will not give rise to an expansion in supply.
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: At present, landlords are ticking boxes - and certain agencies are inviting them to do so - to the effect that no one in receipt of rent allowance need apply, which is wrong and unfair.
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: If Deputy Boyd Barrett actually goes around Dublin city, which I am sure he will, he will-----
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: I am glad to hear it. Perhaps he might count the number of boarded up units throughout the city which are owned by local authorities. This is not a matter which is proper to the Department of Social Protection, but I am happy to say that the practice known as "voiding", where perfectly good homes can be closed up and the contents, including fireplaces-----
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: The Deputy is very familiar with what is involved. He should not go into denial.
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: It is a significant number.
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: All these houses are important, particularly to the families who get them. There are far too many boarded-up houses in different parts-----
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: The first and immediate action to be taken in the context of supply is to bring to an end the practice of boarding up houses and apartments and to ensure new tenants are moved into such dwellings immediately upon their becoming vacant.
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: Local authorities have significant funds.
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: It may have escaped the Deputy's attention but much of taxpayers' money goes directly to them.
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: That is the reality.
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: People pay significant amounts of tax. More importantly-----
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: Deputy Wallace suggested there is a cartel in operation. I will bring that matter to the attention of NAMA and the Minister for Finance in order that they might investigate what is happening.
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: Am I actually allowed to talk to another Deputy and reply to a question?
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: Am I allowed to reply to Deputy Wallace's intervention?
- Other Questions: Rent Supplement Scheme Administration (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: Many teenagers would not behave like that. I wish to reply to Deputy Wallace. The Deputy has made a significant point, which I will bring to the attention of my colleagues in government, specifically the Minister for Finance, as well as NAMA and the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. It is an interesting observation and I will have it examined - with due respect...
- Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Job Activation Measures (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 11 together. The unemployment rate has fallen to 11.8% – the lowest rate in 5 years – and is down from a peak of just over 15% in 2011. Employment rose by 61,000 during 2013, which represents a year-on-year increase of 3.3%. The Government’s primary support for activation is through policies to create the environment for a strong...
- Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: National Internship Scheme Placements (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: The aim of JobBridge is to help individuals break the vicious cycle whereby they can’t get a job without experience but they can’t get experience without a job. An evaluation conducted by Indecon Economic Consultants found that 61% of interns who finish placements secure employment within five months. These progression outcomes compare very favourably to those elsewhere in...
- Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Rent Supplement Scheme Payments (16 Apr 2014)
Joan Burton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 15, 17, 24, 28 and 40 together. There are currently approximately 78,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €344 million for 2014. The supplementary welfare allowance scheme was introduced in 1977 which provided for the payment of additional supplements, including rent supplement. The purpose of the rent...