Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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433. To ask the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on a matter (details supplied) regarding rented accommodation and rent caps. [9351/16]

Frank O'Rourke (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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437. To ask the Minister for Social Protection to review the caps under the rent supplement scheme and the housing assistance payment scheme, given the increasing cost of rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9389/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 437 together.

Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 56,800 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 and over 4,500 during the first four months of 2016.

I can assure the Deputies that supports in relation to housing and accommodation, including rent supplement, are a key Government priority and are under consideration by the Cabinet Committee on Housing in the context of the commitment to provide affordable, quality and accessible housing. This committee met on Thursday 12th May 2016 and will meet again in the next week.

At this time of constrained supply in the private rented market, the Department continues to implement a policy approach that allows for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of the existing 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 targeted approach has assisted over 8,000 rent supplement households nationwide to retain or acquire rented accommodation through increased rent payments, of which 69 households are in Kerry. A county breakdown of these cases is provided in the attached tabular statement.

Any person experiencing increased rents or facing the threat of the loss of their tenancy are encouraged to contact the Department’s Community Welfare Service without delay.

Policy responsibility for the HAP scheme is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Total Increased Rental Payments by County as at 16 May 2016