Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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180. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the proposals she has to increase rent supplement levels and to introduce more flexibility in limits for tenants who are at risk of homelessness, as requested by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25995/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Rent supplement plays a vital role in supporting 68,000 families and individuals at a cost of €298 million. Over 5,600 rent supplement claims have been awarded in 2015.

The Department’s recent review of rent limits points out that the main cause of difficulty for persons renting and seeking to rent is the reduced availability of affordable private rented accommodation. In this regard, the Government will deliver significantly increased supply of social and affordable housing through the Construction 2020 Strategy and the Social Housing Strategy. My colleague, Alan Kelly T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has also advised his intention to bring proposals on rent certainty to Government before the summer recess.

In response to the difficulties experienced by persons renting or seeking to rent in the current market, the Department has implemented preventative measures to provide for flexibility in assessing customers’ accommodation needs through the National Tenancy Sustainment Framework. Under this approach, the circumstances of tenants are considered on a case-by-case basis and rents are being increased above prescribed limits. The Department also works with Threshold’s Tenancy Sustainment service in Dublin and Cork city where supply is most acute. This flexible approach has already assisted over 2,100 rent supplement households nationwide through increased rent payments.

Where Departmental staff are notified of a threat of tenancy loss, the preventative measures are implemented as appropriate. The Department has also undertaken a communications campaign to encourage people at risk to avail of these measures. I am continuing to keep this matter under review to ensure that the appropriate supports continue to be provided.