Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will support the case of a family (details supplied) regarding housing. [5600/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In order to qualify for rent supplement a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons or 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. 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.

In all other cases, a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by the local housing authority in the area where the claim to rent supplement is made (and 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.

The person concerned has advised that she is currently awaiting completion of a housing needs assessment by the relevant local authority and that when this assessment is completed she will then apply for rent supplement.

Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange child dependent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied). [5605/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned is in receipt of a child dependent allowance with effect from 2 March 2011.

Inquiries are continuing regarding the entitlement of the person concerned to an arrears payment in respect of this child. On completion of these inquiries a decision will be made on the entitlement and the person concerned will be advised of the outcome.