Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I received a representation on this issue at lunch time. The person in question, who is a single man, will not be able to afford his existing accommodation because of the changes in rent supplement. I have raised previously the issue of single men who are down on their luck. That man will not be able to continue to pay his rent.

It has been stated that rents have come down but that is not the case everywhere. We also discussed negotiating with the landlord about the rent. That is easier if one is in private rented accommodation and one is working. If a landlord knows that one is getting supplementary welfare he or she will not be as amenable to negotiation because he or she is under the illusion that the tenant is getting the money from the State.