Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 215: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he will take in relation to the query from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10761/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) of the Health Service Executive. The person concerned is in receipt of a reduced One-Parent Family Payment (OFP). The CWS has advised that she also has a maintenance payment in addition to her OFP. Consequently, rent supplement is being paid at a reduced rate, taking account of her overall financial circumstances. The CWS has advised that a review of the rate of rent supplement payable to the person concerned will be undertaken to ensure that she is receiving her correct entitlement.

Rent supplements are subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant for rent supplement may incur. I intend to have the current rent limits reviewed this year with a view to implementing any revision found to be necessary, from 1 July 2008. In the meantime, under existing arrangements the CWS may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure, for example where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances for example, disabled persons in specially-adapted accommodation or homeless persons; where the tenant will be in a position to re-assume responsibility for his/her rent within a short period; and where the person concerned is entitled to an income disregard in the assessment of means and has sufficient income to meet his or her basic needs after paying rent, taking into account the appropriate rate of rent supplement that is otherwise payable in the case.

The review of rent supplement, payable to the person concerned, will include an assessment of any exceptional circumstances, as outlined above, which would warrant payment of the supplement at a rate above the current rent limits.