Written answers

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Department of Social Protection

Social Welfare Benefits

10:00 pm

Photo of Eric ByrneEric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 601: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the provisions for dealing with anti-social behaviour in rent subsidised units (details supplied); and in this case who is the key worker. [18737/12]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer.

In the case of private rented accommodation, tenancy arrangements involve a contract between the landlord and tenant and tenant behaviour is a matter for the landlord in the first instance. There are a number of avenues open to landlords in such cases, including: the dispute resolution services for landlords and tenants operated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board; recourse to the Garda Síochána; or the Courts in relation to the enforcement in dealing with anti-social or criminal behaviour. If necessary, the landlord may seek termination of the tenancy which, if effected, would result in the termination of rent supplement.

Social welfare legislation already provides the Department with the authority to refuse, suspend or terminate payment of a rent supplement in the case of a person who has been required to deliver up possession of a dwelling provided by a housing authority or an approved body. This can be due to anti-social behaviour of the tenant or the interests of good estate management.

The Department does not disclose personal information in relation to an individual's entitlement or identity.

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