Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 860: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 on the back-to-work scheme would be ineligible to become a tenant under RAS; the further reason people on back-to-work schemes are not eligible for RAS; and if he will make a statement on what he intends to do to eliminate this disincentive for people contemplating participating on RAS or taking a job and participating on the back-to-work scheme from choosing the latter option. [10278/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 572 of 7 March 2006. RAS is designed to cater for the accommodation needs of certain persons in receipt of rent supplement, normally for more than 18 months and who have a long-term housing need. Since persons on a back-to-work allowance scheme keep their current social welfare rent supplement payment on a tapered withdrawal basis over a four year period, they are normally considered to be progressing towards a situation where they can meet their own needs, including housing needs. However, if such persons can demonstrate a long-term housing need they may be considered for a range of housing supports, including RAS.