Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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50. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an increase in rent support can be approved in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8637/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The family concerned have been in receipt of rent supplement from this Department in respect of their current address since July 2013. It is not possible to pre-approve an increase in their rate of payment several months before it is due to take effect.

In the intervening period this family should engage with the housing charity Threshold under the Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol, which was set up specifically to address the housing needs for families facing such circumstances. Threshold can negotiate with their landlord on their behalf and liaise with their Local Authority regarding their accommodation needs. Alternatively, as their rent is not increasing until July, they could look at sourcing alternative accommodation that is within the current rent limits.