Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare would have subsidy rent allowance removed if they commenced a community employment scheme; if there are allowances in regard to a person commencing a CE scheme in regard to rent subsidy; the way applicants get back into the workforce if they are not permitted rent allowance in regard to initial training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8481/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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A number of measures have been introduced in recent years to remove disincentives to taking up employment and to assist in the transition from welfare to work. These measures include special means disregards and tapered withdrawal of benefits as earnings increase, and employment support schemes such as the back to work programme.

In the case of one parent families and others who participate on community employment (CE) schemes or indeed in any form of part-time employment, up to €75 of weekly earnings are disregarded in the means test to ensure that a person is better off as a result of taking up the opportunity.

In the particular case raised by the Deputy, the amount of rent supplement payable will be less when the person concerned takes up a CE place. This is because her income will increase when she is on CE and rent supplements are subject to a means test. However, she will still be €75 per week better off.

In Budget 2007 I announced further improvements for those wishing to return to the workforce including improvements in the additional income disregards for those taking up employment or training. I also announced that any person who is on a local authority waiting list for accommodation under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (those with a long-term housing need), may now return to full-time employment and be considered for a rent supplement payment under the standard means test as outlined above.

These measures provide for significant improvements to the rent supplement scheme both in terms of simplifying the current assessment process and in offering clear incentives to those returning to work. The measures are being provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill which is currently before the House.