Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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33. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will review the cap on rent allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2542/16]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, 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.

Properties are being secured under the scheme with over 20,100 rent supplement tenancies awarded during 2015, of which 790 were in the Kerry area. There are currently approximately 1,600 rent supplement recipients in county Kerry.

In view of the reduction of supply in the private rented market and increasing rents at this time, in particular for urban areas, 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 to the rent supplement scheme. 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 provided assistance to 26 rent supplement householders in Kerry where rent payments have been made in excess of the prescribed limits. Analysis on a leading property website indicates that there is rental accommodation available in some locations in Kerry within the prescribed limits.

Persons in receipt of rent supplement who may be at risk of losing their tenancy as a result of increases in rent are urged to contact their local Community Welfare Service without delay.

I am continuing to keep this matter under close review.