Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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122. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if, in the case of an Irish citizen who returns from another European country after being abroad for two years and becomes homeless, the provision of a bed and breakfast address will qualify the person to apply for rent allowance or jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6190/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In order to qualify for social welfare payments in Ireland an applicant must satisfy the eligibility criteria applicable to the scheme concerned. Such criteria in the cases of rent supplement and jobseeker’s allowance include a means test, and satisfying the habitual residence condition. In all cases, decisions on the eligibility of persons to these schemes are made following consideration of all the circumstances of the person concerned. With respect to habitual residence, the Department of Social Protection’s published guidelines on the application of the condition specifically address the issue of returning emigrants stating that such persons may be regarded as habitually resident immediately on resuming their long-term residence in the State.

The primary responsibility for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with local authorities. The Department of Social Protection's role with regard to people who are homeless is mainly income maintenance. Under the social welfare system, people who are homeless and people in temporary accommodation have entitlement to the full range of social welfare schemes, including supplementary welfare allowance, subject to the normal qualifying conditions.

Where a person is residing in homeless accommodation, such as bed and breakfast or long term hostel, steps are taken to verify their address in order to facilitate the payment of jobseeker’s allowance. Where a person is homeless and has no fixed abode or has night by night accommodation then he or she is referred to the Community Welfare Service for support under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

In applying for rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, the tenant’s engagement with the Department usually takes place after the tenant has reached an agreement with the landlord, and would therefore detail the address for the proposed tenancy.