Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider relaxing the means test rules for jobseeker's and disability allowance, when a qualifying person takes in sub-tenants in order to spread the cost of the mortgage in view of the fact that if the tenants were expelled the State could face paying both the mortgage interest supplement and the full rate of jobseeker's allowance. [25721/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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For the purposes of Jobseeker's Allowance and Disability Allowance, any cash income derived from the rental of a portion of a house in which the claimant normally resides is assessable as income for means test purposes.

Deductions from such income are allowed in respect of any mortgage interest or ground rent in proportion to the area used by a tenant. In addition, in the case of furnished rooms let, 5% of the gross amount received is allowed for wear and tear while a further 15% is allowed for voids (i.e. periods when accommodation is vacant between lettings).

Any changes to the current arrangements could only be considered in a Budgetary context and in the light of available resources.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if rent allowance will be restored to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25746/10]

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.