Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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27. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of occasions in 2015 that rent supplement levels were agreed above the defined rent limits with persons, by local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1195/16]

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 61,000 people for which the Government has provided approximately €267 million for 2016. In view of the reduction of supply in the private rented market and increasing rents at this time, the Department has implemented a policy approach that allows for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of the limits for both existing customers and new applicants. The circumstances of tenants are considered on a case-by-case basis and rents are being increased above prescribed limits, as appropriate. 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 to Galway City.This flexible approach has assisted approximately 5,800 households nationwide to retain their rented accommodation through increased rent payments, of which some 4,500 cases were approved in 2015. A county breakdown of the increased payments is provided in the attached tabular statement, a breakdown by local authority area is not available.

I believe that these measures and the recent reforms to the private rental sector will provide increased stability in what has become a highly volatile rental market. I am continuing to keep this matter under close review.

Rent Supplement : Total Increased Rental Payments by County at 31/12/2015