Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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316. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which her Department can assist towards emergency rent support in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42895/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department awarded a rent supplement payment for the person concerned on 9/10/19 and her payment has been backdated to 1/5/19.  Her first payment including arrears will issue on 24/10/19.  The person concerned has been advised accordingly.

The Deputy will be aware that as the rental property in question is in an area designated as a Rental Pressure Zone (RPZ) under the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016, rents are only permitted to rise according to a prescribed formula by a maximum of 4% annually.

The person concerned notified my Department of the change in her circumstances and was asked to submit documentation confirming the increase in her rent.  Her claim will be re-assessed in line with current legislation and guidelines when this is received.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.