Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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498. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the maximum rents payable under the rent supplement scheme have remained unchanged since October 2019; his views that rents have risen substantially, by almost 40% in cities and commuter belts, to date; if he will revise maximum rents to reflect current rents and commit to a regular review given the consistent upward trajectory of rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64710/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The number of people availing of Rent Supplement has reduced significantly. The Housing Assistance 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 is a matter for my colleague, the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I understand the Minister has recently approved the commencement of a review of Housing Assistance Payment rent limits.

However, 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 Payments 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.