Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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88. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied that current rent supplement limits are realistic in order to meet the needs of recipients in today's rental market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40149/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme 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 showing that landlords are accommodating significant numbers 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.