Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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174. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which his Department can assist those in danger of becoming homeless with particular reference to situations whereby a primary payment is terminated and rent support likewise as a consequence resulting in hardship, anxiety and despair; if he will ensure that in such cases rent support is not terminated until all else has been decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26244/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting some 43,700 recipients for which the Government has provided €253 million for in 2017. I can assure the Deputy that every effort is made so that rent supplement tenants are supported by my Department ensuring where possible that they can remain in their homes.

Continued entitlement to rent supplement is not linked to entitlement to other social welfare schemes, however the rent supplement claim may be reviewed following a decision to suspend or disallow a primary social welfare payment as there may be a change to the claimant’s circumstances that could affect eligibility. During a review of a rent supplement claim, the Community Welfare Service (CWS) staff will engage with the claimant to establish continued eligibility as quickly as possible and limit any delay to payments. Any person in this situation is encouraged to contact the Department’s CWS responsible for their rent supplement claim to discuss their situation.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.