Phil Prendergast (Labour)

The way the rent supplement scheme operates has come under criticism from a tax perspective from the Comptroller and Auditor General. We should have amendments calling for rent supplement to be paid directly to the landlord and for landlords to be registered. There is a ludicrous situation where tenants are required to deduct 20% of rent for tax purposes in the case of non-residential landlords. The onus for deducting this tax should be put on the Department of Social and Family Affairs.