Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2025
135. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if a poverty impact assessment was carried out on the Government’s decision to allow for rents to be reset to market rates between tenancies; if provision will be made for increasing rent supplement in line with the increase in rents that will arise from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33027/25]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment scheme and the Rental Accommodation scheme, administered by the local authorities, are now by far the largest schemes providing rental supports.
Policy relating to the Housing Assistance Payment, including a review in the rent limits are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Furthermore, the policy in respect of the the recently announced reforms to the rental sector are also a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
However, 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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
