Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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14. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied that current levels of rent supplement are adequate to meet the housing needs of recipients, particularly in view of increasing rental prices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47080/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am keeping the matter regarding rent limits under consideration and the review being undertaken by the Department will be finalised shortly. Raising rent limits may not be the solution to the current problem as it is likely to add to further rental inflation and could impact, not alone on rent supplement recipients, but also on many lower income workers and students.

The Department has put measures in place to ensure that the housing needs of rent supplement customers throughout the country who are in danger of becoming homeless are being addressed by providing for increased flexibility within the administration of the rent supplement scheme. Earlier this year, a notice was circulated reminding all staff, including those operating in the Wexford area, of their statutory discretionary power to award a supplement for rental purposes, for example, when dealing with applicants who are at risk of losing their tenancy. Further instruction has issued this week in this regard.

Staff are increasing rent supplement payments as necessary and are actively engaging with the relevant local authorities and various local organisations involved in homelessness. The Department is reviewing the local arrangements in place to strengthen the existing framework to ensure that the necessary supports continue to be provided in a consistent basis on a national level.

Where a person in receipt of rent supplement is at risk of losing their tenancy they are advised to contact their local Community Welfare Service responsible for their claim as soon as possible.