Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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69. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding rent increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8398/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The rent supplement scheme provides support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are approximately 70,700 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €298 million for 2015.

I am acutely aware of the difficulties people are experiencing in maintaining affordable rented accommodation in areas of high demand in the current market. The Department has undertook a review of the maximum rent limits and raising rent limits may not be the solution to the 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, their families and students. The matter remains under close review.

The Department has put measures in place to ensure that the housing needs of rent supplement customers throughout the country who are at risk of homelessness are addressed by providing for increased flexibility within the administration of the rent supplement scheme. Notices circulated to all Community Welfare Service staff reminding them of their discretionary power to award, on a case by case basis, a supplement for rental purposes in such circumstances in July and December 2014. A National Framework has also been developed to ensure that appropriate supports continue to be provided throughout the country in a consistent manner.

The Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol, introduced in the Dublin region during 2014, was further extended to include non-family households effective from 16th February 2015. Over 375 families in Dublin have been supported through increased rent limits to date. The Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol was also extended to Cork city in January 2015.

I would advise the Deputy that he should advise any person in receipt of rent supplement who is at risk of losing their tenancy in the Dublin area to contact the Tenancy Protection Service provided by Threshold at 1800 454 454.