Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

282. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider reviewing the regulations for rent supplement for those who are in homeless accommodation in view of the costs and difficulties they face; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35946/16]

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

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 (SWA), subject to the normal qualifying conditions.

The primary responsibility for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with local authorities. Almost 880 homeless households have been supported under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) administered by the local authorities, of which some 650 are in the Dublin area.

As the Deputy will be aware, HAP is a key pillar of the Social Housing Strategy 2020 and will transfer responsibility for all those on rent supplement with long term housing needs to the local authorities. It is expected that HAP will be available in all local authorities in early 2017. HAP represents a significant reform of the system and rent supplement will continue to be paid to households who are already in the private rented sector but who, generally because of a loss of income through unemployment, require short term income support. Any legislative reforms to the rent supplement scheme have to be carefully considered in the context of this significant change in policy direction.

In recognition of the ongoing housing supply difficulties, my Department continues to implement a targeted case-by-case policy approach in administering rent supplement that allows for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of the limits. To date, approximately 9,300 persons at imminent risk of homelessness have been supported through increased rent supplement payments. There has been a significant reduction in the number of cases presenting following my introduction of increased rent limits in July 2016.

I can assure the Deputy that supports to people experiencing homelessness remains a key Government priority at this time.