James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the assistance that can be offered to provide accommodation to an unemployed person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21258/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy about the specific case above. However, in general the following criteria with regards to housing needs assessment apply to applicants for rent supplement:

In order to qualify for rent supplement a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons or in an institution (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for Rent Supplement.

Where the applicant has been residing in private resident accommodation the person must have been able to reasonably afford the rent at the commencement of the tenancy and has experienced a substantial change in their circumstances where they are now unable to pay the rent.

A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by the relevant local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.

Where a person does not fulfil the above criteria they are generally requested to apply for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support with the local housing authority in the area where the person intends to reside. Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when rent support will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this matter will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21268/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason back to school allowance was not awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21270/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.