Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

50. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49746/14]

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

The person concerned has been in receipt of rent supplement at her current address since 1 October 2011. She is currently receiving the maximum rate payable for a person with her specific circumstances; i.e. that of a single person with a maximum rent limit of €520 per month.

The Department is taking measures to ensure that the housing needs of rent supplement customers who are in danger of becoming homeless are being addressed by providing for increased flexibility within the administration of the rent supplement scheme. A notice reminding all staff 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, was circulated during 2014, and a further instruction issued in December 2014 to ensure that there is consistency in the provision of payments in excess of the rent limit throughout the country.

The person concerned should contact their local DSP representative to discuss her particular circumstances.