John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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308. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his views on rent supplement limits (details supplied); whether he considers these to be completely outdated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10256/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The number of people availing of Rent Supplement has reduced significantly. The Housing Accommodation Payment scheme and the Rental Accommodation scheme, administered by the local authorities, are now by far the largest schemes providing rental supports. Accordingly, the issue of a review in the rent limits used across all three schemes is a matter for the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Insofar as Rent Supplement is concerned, my Department operates a flexible policy on a case-by-case basis that allows for higher rent supplement payments in certain circumstances.

Additional Needs Payment are also available to assist those who have essential expenses, such as rent deposits, rent in advance and household bills, that they cannot pay from their weekly income.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.