Seanad debates

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2009: Committee Stage

 

2:00 pm

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

Everyone wants to ensure the rent scheme will operate properly and that ultimately the money will only be paid to legitimate landlords who are providing accommodation of a proper standard. At present, community welfare officers are responsible for disbursing this funding. However, matters such as housing, the condition thereof, etc. come under the remit of the local authorities. I have been working closely with the different groups to try to ensure that not only will we obtain best value for money but also that the needs of the people who avail of the scheme will be met.

One of the difficulties which arises is that rent supplement is not paid directly to landlords. It is paid to tenants who then pay it to their landlords. Currently there is great choice available so there is no reason for a tenant to be in substandard accommodation or to have a dodgy landlord. That can be rectified. We are examining the operation of the rent supplement scheme to see how it can be improved. The changes in the Bill reflect the current property and economic situations and that is why we had to introduce them.

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