Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if urgent attention and assistance can be given to a rent allowance claimant (details supplied) in Dublin 15;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10498/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In January 2012 the rent supplement limit for the family size of the person concerned was set in legislation as €825.00 in accordance with S.I. 412 of 2007, Part 3, Article 9, 2 (i) (iii), wherein it is stated that rent supplement shall be awarded on condition that "the rent payable by the claimant is just and proper having regard to the nature, character and location of the residence..." As is standard practice, the person concerned was given 13 weeks in which to either negotiate a reduction in rent or source alternative accommodation. This period was extended for a further month until 31^st August 2012.

However she presented herself as homeless on 5^th September 2012 and she and her family were assigned to the Sunnybank Hotel which is a reputable premises used by both my Department and Dublin City Council to house homeless persons in temporary accommodation. Dublin City Council which has the responsibility for the provision and standard of emergency accommodation carry out regular checks of the premises.

The person concerned is in receipt of one parent family payment from my Department and I understand currently resides at her mother’s address. I am informed that there are adequate suitable accommodations within the above rent limit in that area Should she source rented accommodation and her circumstances remain the same she may be entitled to receive a rent supplement from my Department and she should contact the local Community Welfare Office.