John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I assure the Senator that I will speak to the Minister for Social Protection and I will bring the file to her attention.

The point was made clearly. The rent supplement scheme is reviewed constantly and I have no doubt the Minister will take on board the Senator's recommendations.

The Senator questioned the availability of local authority housing. Galway may be the exception, but in many counties private landlords are happy to facilitate persons in receipt of the rent supplement as they would prefer to have a tenant in their vacant property. However, I hear the point the Senator is making and will bring it to the Minister's attention.

I hope the short-term measures will accommodate the Senator's concerns.