Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 550: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on an application for rent supplement by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the circumstances that apply. [22659/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Rent supplements are subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant for rent supplement may incur. Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels and in landlord income. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodation unnecessarily, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes.

Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the Health Service Executive may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure. This discretionary power is only used in special cases, but it ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme.

The Executive has advised that while the rent payable is in excess of the prescribed maximum rent limits, it has taken into account the exceptional circumstances of this case and has awarded a weekly rent supplement of €56.20 to the person concerned. This is the maximum rent supplement payable taking account of the financial circumstances of the person concerned.