Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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551. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of households that have had rent supplement increased above the prescribed limits for their area in each of the years 2016 to 2017 and to date in 2018, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53702/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Rent supplement continues its vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 24,800 recipients at a total cost €179.5 million for 2018

In recognition of the on-going rental market difficulties, the Department continues to implement a targeted case-by-case policy approach in the administration of rent supplement. This approach addresses the needs of customers who are at risk of losing their tenancy due to their landlord seeking rent in excess of the prevailing rent limit.

Approximately, 13,100 cases have been provided additional flexible payment arrangements to date. Of these, approximately 5,300 tenancies (c. 21% of total current recipients) are still receiving rent supplement.

The average uplift in excess of the prevailing rent limits for the National Framework for Tenancy Sustainment for is €195. The additional full year costs associated for these flexible payments is approximately €12.4 million (7% of the total cost provided for in 2018).

Annual statistics by county for rent supplement recipients receiving support where rents are in excess of the prescribed rent limits for the years 2016 to 2017 up to 10 December, 2018 are provided in the attached tabular statement.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Total Number of Increased Payments by County