Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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41. To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 14 January 2015, in view of the fact that the payment of rent supplement was suspended pending a review, the reason it was reinstated without a review taking place; if an investigation into this matter is on-going; if this will be considered a case of fraud; her plans to ensure this situation is prevented in future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4718/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The payment of Rent Supplement is a matter between the Department and the tenant, subject to the tenant satisfying the eligibility criteria and payment issues directly to the tenant. Where the Department is notified of issues regarding a tenant not passing the Rent Supplement to the landlord, the Department can request the tenant to authorise payment directly to the landlord. This can only be arranged with the tenant’s consent.

Any contract/lease agreement that exists between the tenant and the landlord is a private matter, regardless of whether or not Rent Supplement is in payment. Any difficulties that arise between the two parties are a matter for either party to resolve or to pursue through the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) or through civil proceedings.

As previously stated, the landlord contacted the Department on 23rd of May 2014 to state that the tenant had not paid rent for 4/5 months. The case was examined but payment continued. In September 2014 the Department was notified of a change in circumstances and a rent review was undertaken. On foot of this review the tenant was requested to authorise the payment to be made to the landlord. The tenant consented and Rent Supplement issued for September and October 2014 directly to the landlord’s account. The tenancy ceased shortly after.

The circumstances surrounding the case have been reviewed and there is no evidence of fraud against the Department having occurred.