Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

250. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will continue to pay an enhanced rate of supplementary welfare allowance to a person (details supplied) to prevent the person from becoming homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23182/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The person concerned was formerly in receipt of a rent allowance of €500 per calendar month in respect of a property in Artane, Dublin 5. This amount was in excess of the specified limit for a single man in his circumstances but the increased amount was approved under the terms of Article 38.

Unfortunately this property went on fire and he re-housed in Clontarf, Dublin 3. The rent at the new premises was €1,200 per calendar month, which is significantly in excess of the specified limit for a single man. However, a rent allowance of €1,070 per calendar month was awarded to him, within the terms of Article 38, having regard to his circumstances. He was advised of this decision by letter and he subsequently made an appeal to the independent appeals office. The original decision was upheld and the outcome was posted to him on the 4th July 2016.

Given the scale of the increase above the specified limit he was advised that the matter would be reviewed at the end of August and that he should, in the meantime, make efforts to secure appropriate accommodation at, or nearer, the specified limit for a man in his circumstances.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.