Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if, and when, he will increase rent caps in Galway City and County under the rent supplement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12305/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Supports in relation to housing and the provision of financial supports, such as the rent supplement scheme currently supporting some 56,800 recipients at a cost of €267 million in 2016, are a key priority for Government and are being considered by the Cabinet Committee on Housing in the context of the Programme for Government housing commitments. My Department is currently examining the rent limits in the context of the Government commitment and it is intended that revised rent limits, taking account of geographic variations in market rents, will be introduced as early as possible subject to agreement by Government.

At this time of constrained supply, the Department continues to implement a targeted, flexible, case-by-case approach where rents exceed limits. This ensures that people at risk of homelessness or loss of their tenancy are supported under the rent supplement scheme where increased rental payments are required. Currently, over 8,100 households are supported through this approach, of which some 170 are currently supported in the Galway region.

The Department, in conjunction with Threshold, operates a protocol in the Dublin and Cork areas where supply issues are particularly acute. This protocol was extended to the commuter counties of Meath, Kildare and Wicklow on 25th April, 2016, with plans to extend the service to Galway City in the coming weeks.

Any person experiencing increased rents or facing the threat of the loss of their tenancy are encouraged to contact the Department of Social Protection’s Community Welfare Service responsible for their rent supplement clam without delay.