Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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262. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the annualised cost of the average monthly rent currently paid to rent supplement recipients under the scheme; the number of families availing of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41140/17]

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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266. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of rent supplement tenancies in place; and the annual cost of these tenancies. [41059/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 266 together.

Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 38,600 tenants for which the Government has provided €253 million for in 2017.

The full annualised costs for 38,600 tenants at current blended rent supplement tenancy rates of €480 per month, is approximately €223 million.

The Deputies will be aware that the Department’s strategic policy is to return rent supplement to its original purpose, that of a short-term income support, facilitated by the introduction of the HAP scheme. There are currently over 27,240 tenants in receipt of HAP support. The strategic goal as set out in Rebuilding Ireland is to transfer all long-term tenancies from rent supplement to HAP by 2020.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputies.