Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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84. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection given the proposals for restrictions on rent increases, if she will implement an increase to rent supplement levels in order that those requiring the supplement are able to secure accommodation in the current rental market. [40145/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 63,000 people at a cost of over €298 million in 2015.

Over 17, 200 rent supplement tenancies have been awarded this year, of which approximately 5,600 are in Dublin, showing that people are securing accommodation under the scheme.

A review of the rent limits undertaken earlier this year found that the impact of increasing limits at a time of constrained supply will increase costs disproportionately for the Exchequer with little or no new housing available to recipients.

Rather than increasing limits at this time, rent supplement policy will continue to allow for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of current limits. Flexibility is provided under the National Framework for Tenancy Sustainment for both existing customers of the scheme and new applicants. Under this measure, the circumstances of tenants are considered on a case-by-case basis, and rents are being increased above prescribed limits, as appropriate.

This flexible approach has already assisted approximately 4,700 households throughout the country to retain their rented accommodation. In addition, the Department, in conjunction with Threshold, operates a special protocol in the Dublin and Cork areas where supply issues are particularly acute, with plans underway to extend this arrangement to Galway City.

I believe that these measures, and the recently announced reforms to the private rental sector, will provide increased certainty for both tenants and landlords in the current market.

I am continuing to keep this matter under close review.