David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 284: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of housing units for which the supplementary rent allowance was awarded in 2003 and 2004 in each health board area respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8868/05]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outturn for the supplementary welfare scheme for 2003 and 2004 in each health board area in respect of supplementary rent, supplementary basic and supplementary special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8869/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.

The details sought by the Deputy are set out in the following tables. It should be noted that rent supplement is normally payable directly to the tenants concerned, not to their landlords. The statistics shown in tables one and two relate to the number of applicants and recipients, and do not necessarily equate to a number of housing units as recipients may move location during the period.

Expenditure on rent supplement in 2004, at nearly €354 million, was some 7% higher than in 2003, notwithstanding the adjustments made to the scheme conditions at the start of last year. By comparison, expenditure on basic supplementary welfare allowances and exceptional needs respectively was lower in the corresponding periods.