Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way rent is determined under the rental accommodation scheme; if a person in receipt of a disability allowance payment, who for therapeutic reasons takes up a training course with the choices programme is assessed on all of their income including the €30 they receive for the course; if such a payment is an actual payment or expense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31771/07]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assessment method used by the local authority in relation to the rental accommodation scheme; if there is a means within the guidelines to facilitate a person who is in receipt of disability allowance and for therapeutic reasons takes a course choices programme; if the €30 that the applicant receives in relation to the course is taken into account in the assessing of the rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31769/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 179 together.

Under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), households pay a contribution towards their rent to the local authority. This contribution is determined by the housing authority by reference to each authority's Differential Rent Scheme. The level of contribution will vary from authority to authority and over time to reflect changes in the income and family circumstances of the RAS household.

In determining the level of contribution local authorities have regard to the household income and may exclude certain sources of income in determining the contribution. Local authorities may also, on a discretionary basis, vary the contribution in line with stated policy in their rental schemes.