Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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366. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the guidelines in place for community welfare officers for the payment of rent supplement; and if this payment will be withdrawn if a tenant is paying rent above the permitted ceilings. [20621/16]

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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368. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will address the anomaly in an area (details supplied) where a number of tenants are unable to avail of certain social protection payments as they privately rent homes from an agent while the property is owned by the local authority. [20669/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 368 together.

Increased rent limits under the rent supplement scheme were introduced with effect from Friday, 1 July 2016. Supports in relation to housing and the provision of financial supports, including the rent supplement scheme currently supporting some 54,000 recipients at a cost of €267 million in 2016, are a key priority as evidenced by the early implementation of this Government commitment.

The rent supplement scheme is subject to satisfying certain eligibility criteria and conditions as set out in legislation. I can confirm that guidance has recently issued to officers regarding the implementation of the increased rent limits. In general, rent supplement should not be paid where the rent to be supported is above the relevant and appropriate maximum limit. However, in view of the ongoing difficulties in the rented market, the Department continues to implement a targeted, flexible, case-by-case approach where rents may exceed the maximum limits. This ensures that people at risk of homelessness through the loss of their tenancy continue to be supported under the rent supplement scheme.

Departmental Staff have also been advised that in keeping with the concerns over the general lack of alternative rentable housing stock, whereby a person seeks an increase on their existing rent supplement payment due to a previously undeclared top up payment, the additional top up payment may be considered referencing the new limits. If the additional top up brings the overall claim higher that the appropriate revised rent limit, staff are directed to previous guidance to prevent tenancy loss where there are reasonable grounds to do so. Each case will be considered on an individual basis with the primary focus on the accommodation needs of the person or family.

The increased rent limits, combined with the continued flexible approach provided by my Department will provide for increased security for persons seeking support under this scheme.

I refer to the Deputy’s question regarding the payment of rent supplement to residents in Parnell Estate. The legislation governing rent supplement provides that the scheme may not be payable where the person beneficially entitled to the rent under the tenancy is a housing authority. Officials in my Department are engaging with those in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government regarding this matter so that an appropriate resolution is found.