Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

325. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a review of the rent allowance is taking place for Meath; when the review will be finalised; when the new caps will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20312/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently over 86,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €403 million for 2013.

It is essential that State support for rents are kept under review and do not distort the market in a way that could increase rent prices for others, such as low paid workers and students.

I have previously committed to a review of maximum rent limits by June. However, I am pleased to say that the review will be finished by the end of May, with new rent limits in place in early June. The review includes an analysis of the private rental market in Co. Meath.