Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government intends to replace rent supplement with housing benefit in view of the Comptroller and Auditor General expressing concern regarding the rise in the cost of rent supplement and the assertion of the report that there was little incentive in the scheme to keep rents low. [22484/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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It is not proposed to introduce a general housing benefit scheme. The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) which commenced operation in 2005 is designed to provide housing assistance through supply driven mechanisms as part of a flexible and graduated system of housing supports for those in need of housing. The costs of rent supplement is a matter for the Minister for Family and Social Affairs and I understand that report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on rent supplement is due to be considered by the Public Accounts Committee in July.