Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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186. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the total amount spent on rent supplement in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23529/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The total amount of Rent Supplement paid by the Department of Social Protection in 2021 was €122.96 million.

The scheme provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment or income, can continue to meet their rental commitments.

Since the introduction of HAP, rent supplement is reverting to its original role of providing short-term support to those who have become temporarily unemployed and require income support to meet their tenancy cost while they seek alternative employment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.