Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase the amount local authorities can pay to landlords under the rental accommodation scheme where average rents are significantly higher than RAS payments locally; the local authorities which have requested such increases; if he will introduce revisions to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42562/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is designed to cater for the accommodation needs of persons in receipt of rent supplement who have a long-term housing need. Funding is provided by the Department to local authorities to meet the cost of the scheme, including accommodation costs, through the transfer of resources from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

The level of rents payable is determined by negotiations between the landlord and the local authority. Authorities have been advised that any agreement on rent levels should reflect local market conditions and the appropriate SWA rent supplement rent level for the area for the particular type of household. The setting of rent limits under the SWA scheme is a matter for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and his Department is currently reviewing levels of rent limits to determine what limits should apply from January 2007 onwards. The aim is that any new rent limits reflect realistic market conditions throughout the country and that they will continue to enable the different categories of eligible tenant households to secure and retain suitable rented accommodation to meet their needs.

I am satisfied at this early stage that there is considerable scope and opportunities within the arrangements for local authorities to negotiate rents and secure accommodation within the financial model underpinning RAS.

Some local authorities have reported difficulties from time to time in finding good quality alternative accommodation, at a reasonable rent, for single persons and couples without children. Recent reports from local authorities indicate an acceleration in the transfer of households from rent supplement to RAS.