Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the advertising of private rental accommodation on public sites stating no rent allowance accepted and the problems this is causing for those potential tenants who are unemployed in this economic climate; if it is legal for the advertiser whether it be the landlord, letting agent or advertising personnel to state on the advert 'no rent allowance allowed' and if a landlord has the right to refuse an applicant based on the tenant's status as a social welfare recipient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48445/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There are approximately 90,000 persons in receipt of rent supplement for which the Government has provided a sum of €436 million for 2012. The aim of rent supplement is to provide short term income assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer.

Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department’s relationship is with the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs. There is no direct relationship between the landlord and the Department in the administration of the scheme. The tenant’s engagement with the Department usually takes place after the tenant has reached an agreement with the landlord.

I am aware that some landlords are advertising their property on public sites and stating that they are unwilling to accept rent supplement recipients as tenants. The Equal Status Acts 2000-2011, prohibit discrimination in the provision of services that are generally available to the public whether provided by the state or the private sector. There are nine grounds prohibiting discrimination namely - gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, race, disability and membership of the Traveller community. Refusal to accept rent supplement tenants does not fall within the area of discrimination as provided for under the equality legislation.

The fact that approximately 90,000 people are currently in receipt of rent supplement of which 42,000 have been awarded during 2012 proves that a significant number of landlords are accommodating applicants of the scheme and that rent supplement recipients are able to access accommodation.