Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7056/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The husband of the person concerned was informed by my Department in June 2012 that he and his family would have to source alternative accommodation as his rent payable was above the limit, as set in legislation, of €900 for his family size. Their appropriate accommodation need, having regard to family size and circumstances, is deemed to be a 3 bedroomed house, many of which are available in this area at the required limit. Despite being afforded ample time to find alternative accommodation, this family appears to have refused offers of 3 bedroomed houses from the local agent as their preference is for a 4 bedroomed house.

Despite representations from my Department, the present landlord has refused to the reduce the rent for the family’s present accommodation to the required limit for rent allowance, and on 8th January 2013 gave the family one month’s notice to leave his property. However, in an effort to facilitate this family as far as possible and prevent any possibility of homelessness, we have come to an arrangement with their landlord whereby if they find alternative accommodation at the required limit by March, my Department will pay the arrears due to the landlord for January and February. We have been as flexible as we can be with this family, and given them ample time to resolve their accommodation difficulties.