Written Answers Nos. 679-698
679. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused any form of financial disability aid or other financial supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5454/26]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to medical assessment, a means test, and habitual residency conditions.
I can confirm the Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 28 June 2025. Based on all the information available to the Department, their claim was disallowed as they failed to provide sufficient information to determine their means, and they also did not satisfy the qualifying medical criteria for the scheme. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 04 September 2025. They were also notified of their entitlement to request a review and/or appeal of the decision.
The person concerned lodged an appeal with the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The SWAO notified DA Section on 13 November 2025 that they had upheld the decision and the appeal was disallowed. The person concerned was notified directly by SWAO regarding the outcome of their appeal. An Appeal’s Officer’s decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.
It is important to note, that a person does not need a permanent address to apply for a social welfare payment or service, or to receive a social welfare payment. The person concerned may make a fresh application for DA and if they have an additional, immediate need, she may apply for a payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
680. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection the justification for classifying one adult in a couple as a qualified adult and therefore financially dependent on their spouse or partner; whether she acknowledges that approximately 90% of increase for a qualified adult recipients are women; the assessment his Department has made of the gender equality implications of this arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5459/26]
View answer681. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he accepts that the qualified adult payment structure denies women full financial independence by treating couples as a single financial unit; his plans to move towards individual entitlement to social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5460/26]
View answer682. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he agrees that the current qualified adult system reinforces traditional gender roles by embedding women’s economic dependence within the social welfare system; how this is compatible with the State’s gender equality commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5461/26]
View answer684. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection whether the individualisation of social welfare payments has been examined by his Department; whether any costings or timelines exist; if he will commit to publishing this analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5463/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 680, 681, 682 and 684 together.
The delivery of income supports in the social welfare system takes account of total household means, rather than just the means of the claimant, in determining how to target income support.
A qualified adult is the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the primary applicant for the payment who is being wholly or mainly maintained by that person. Claimants with a qualified adult partner are recognised within the social welfare system as having additional needs because their spouse/partner is financially dependent on them. The payment of an Increase for a Qualified Adult, in addition to the personal rate of payment, reflects these additional household needs. The qualified adult provision applies to both social insurance and social assistance schemes.
Based on December 2025 statistics, 18% of qualified adults are male and 82% are female; however this is in large part driven by pensions schemes. Excluding pension schemes, 33% of qualified adults are male and 67% are female.
The subject of the qualified adult payment does not make the claim or receive a direct payment. However, it should be noted that it is open to each adult in the couple relationship to make an individual claim for any entitlement. A direct, personal payment is possible if the individual satisfies the scheme conditions.
The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 contained an action to examine the feasibility of individualising welfare payments. In 2022, the Commission on Taxation and Welfare made a recommendation that further social welfare individualisation be progressed, specifically in relation to qualified adults whose partners are in receipt of means-tested social assistance benefits.
The role of payments for adult dependants in the social welfare system is an element of ongoing policy considerations. A number of schemes based on individualised payments have been introduced in recent years. These include the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, Enhanced Illness Benefit and more recently, the Jobseeker’s Pay Related Benefit scheme. Work is ongoing to explore the extension of the pay related benefits model, in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government.
The Social Impact Assessment report published by my Department annually on the distributive effects of social welfare measures in the Budget includes analysis of the gender and equality impacts.
My Department continues to consider the various implications and impacts that would be associated with a move toward a fully individualised welfare system in the context of the ongoing design of policy measures featured in the Programme for Government.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
683. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection the engagement his Department has had with women’s organisations regarding concerns that the qualified adult system classifies women as dependants; whether these concerns will inform future reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5462/26]
View answerGiven the nature of the work of my Department, there are a range of consultative fora in place through which my Department actively engages with a large number of key stakeholders, including women’s organisations. Examples include the annual pre-Budget Forum, the Social Inclusion Forum, the Disability Consultative forum, the Carers’ Forum, as well as regular meetings with the Community and Voluntary Pillar.
As part of the annual budgetary process, my Department invites pre-Budget submissions from a wide range of representative bodies across the community, voluntary and employer sectors. As well as giving consideration to the submissions received from these organisations, the annual Pre-Budget Forum provides a further opportunity for me to meet with groups from the community and voluntary sector, including women’s representative groups, offering me a deeper insight into the issues that are of most concern in the context of the next Budget.
The role of payments for adult dependants in the social welfare system is an element of ongoing policy considerations. A number of schemes based on individualised payments have been introduced in recent years. These include the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, Enhanced Illness Benefit and more recently, the Jobseeker’s Pay Related Benefit scheme. Work is ongoing to explore the extension of the pay related benefits model, in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government.
The Social Impact Assessment report published by my Department annually on the distributive effects of social welfare measures in the Budget includes analysis of the gender and equality impacts. My Department continues to consider the various implications and impacts that would be associated with a move toward a fully individualised welfare system in the context of the ongoing design of policy measures featured in the Programme for Government.
I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to engagement and dialogue with all relevant organisations on the issues that matter to them, and consultation forms a key component of any policy development.
685. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount his Department has spent on legal fees for each of the years 2020-2025, in tabular form. [5544/26]
View answerAs the Attorney General is the Government’s legal adviser, my Department does not engage external legal services without the sanction of the Attorney General’s office. The Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) is a constituent part of the Office of the Attorney General, and the CSSO is responsible for the engagement of and payment for external legal services.
Therefore, these questions are not appropriate for my Department to answer as legal fees for the whole of Government are paid from the CSSO Vote.
My Department's legal costs for the period in question are currently being collated. Once they have been collated they will be sent to the Deputy for his information.
686. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current position regarding the introduction of a cost of disability payment; the considerations being examined by his Department in relation to the design, eligibility criteria and implementation of such a payment; whether an indicative timeline has been developed for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5562/26]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection provides a range of income support payments for disabled people. There are currently approximately 231,000 recipients of disability income support payments, with estimated expenditure of €3.24 billion in 2025.
The Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people. Our Programme for Government commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
The Programme for Government commits to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment. In addition, under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, my Department is leading a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability. While it is led by my Department, it includes other Government departments in this cross-government endeavour, and will also include people with disabilities and their advocates.
This work, which includes disabled people and their advocates, will inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. I have asked my officials to prioritise this work with a view to bringing a proposal to Government in the first half of this year.
Officials have held meetings with a number of organisations to discuss the possible structure and content of the Strategic Focus Network Summit. My officials met with a number of organisations on 2nd December at my Department's Disability Consultative Forum, at which the Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit was the main Agenda item. Officials from across government were also in attendance given that this is a whole of Government issue. A meeting with the Disabled Persons Organisation's network was held on Friday, 23rd January.
The views of disabled people and all relevant research, such as the Indecon report and the more recent ESRI report, will be given due consideration by my Department when progressing this work.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
687. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will investigate the calculation of means of a couple (details supplied) with regard to their disability allowance claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5591/26]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to medical assessment, means test and habitual residency conditions.
The Department periodically reviews claims in payment to ensure that there is continued entitlement. In this case the means of this couple, who are both in receipt of DA, were reviewed.
Social welfare legislation provides that for means-tested social assistance schemes, all income and assets belonging to the claimant, and his or her spouse or partner where applicable, are assessable for means-testing purposes. The purpose of the means test is to ensure that resources are directed to those with the greatest need for income supports by the State.
The means test takes account of the income a person or couple has in terms of cash, property, other than the family home, and capital.
I can confirm weekly means were assessed of €209.55 derived from claimant’s employment and capital. This entitled the person concerned to a weekly DA rate of €80.50.
In the other case, weekly means were assessed of €259.96 derived from capital and their partner employment. This entitled the person concerned to a weekly DA rate of €30.50.
Both Claimants were notified of their decisions on 03 December 2025 and given the right to request a review/appeal.
A new review of this couple’s means has now been initiated. A Deciding Officer has sent information requests to both claimants, on 21 January 2026, seeking additional supporting information as part of this review.
Once the requested information has been submitted a decision will be made on their entitlements as quickly as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
688. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a breakdown of expenditure by his Department and bodies, agencies or organisations under his/her remit on paid verification services on a platform (details supplied) or any other verified account products, for each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of verified accounts held under each category; the annual cost per account; the total annual cost incurred; the procurement basis under which these services were purchased, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5627/26]
View answerMy Department administers more than 140 separate schemes and services, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State. We are committed to ensuring that members of the public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services available, and that key changes are communicated to them. Public information campaigns, including advertising on digital and social media platforms, are an important part of this work.
The Department of Social Protection has had nil expenditure on verification or premium accounts on X or any other verified account products for 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026. Of the bodies under the aegis of the Department, there has been nil expenditure on verification or premium accounts on the platform in 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026.
689. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if patients travelling long distances for medical appointments without free travel passes could be given some form of travel allowances to cover the costs of regular journeys (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5635/26]
View answerThe Free Travel Scheme allows persons to travel, free of charge, on all public transport owned by the State. This includes bus, rail, Local Link, and the Luas, with some exceptions. Free travel is also available on some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators.
While over 1.1 million people have direct access to the Free Travel Scheme, with an estimated expenditure of €113.73 million in 2026, I understand that there will always be cases where people are not eligible for the scheme and cannot avail of free travel. It is for this reason that my Department provides support through the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.
This can include assistance with transport costs incurred for attending hospital appointments where there are no other supports available. A travel supplement may be paid where a person has a recurring travel expense such as where a person has ongoing travel costs for hospital visits.
The decision process for Additional Needs Payments involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed.
In considering an Additional Needs Payment application for assistance with transport costs incurred for attending hospital appointments, the Community Welfare Officer considers any alternatives available to the customer, including transport services offered by the Health Service Executive.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
690. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made on the commitment in the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020–2025 to assess the cost of disability; and when findings will be published. [5678/26]
View answerThe Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020–2025 contains a commitment to commission a study on the cost of disability and publish a final report with recommendations.
My Department commissioned Indecon to research the cost of disability in Ireland. The resulting report was published in 2021 and it is available on gov.ie. It found that the additional costs of disability spread across a number of areas of expenditure including additional living expenses, mobility, transport and communications, care and assistance services, equipment, aids and appliances, and medicines.
The Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people. Our Programme for Government commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
The Programme for Government commits to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment. In addition, under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, my Department is leading a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability. While it is led by my Department, it includes other Government departments in this cross-government endeavour, and will also include people with disabilities and their advocates.
This work, which includes disabled people and their advocates, will inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. I have asked my officials to prioritise this work with a view to bringing a proposal to Government in the first half of this year.
Officials have held meetings with a number of organisations to discuss the possible structure and content of the Strategic Focus Network Summit. My officials met with a number of organisations on 2nd December at my Department's Disability Consultative Forum, at which the Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit was the main Agenda item. Officials from across government were also in attendance given that this is a whole of Government issue. A meeting with the Disabled Persons Organisation's network was held on Friday, 23rd January.
The views of disabled people and all relevant research, such as the Indecon report and the more recent ESRI report, will be given due consideration by my Department when progressing this work.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
691. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated level of fraud and error in 2025 for jobseeker’s, disability, and child benefit schemes, as reported in his Department’s annual report. [5681/26]
View answerMy Department is committed to ensuring that only those people who are eligible receive social welfare supports and payments. Under the Compliance and Anti-Fraud Strategy for 2024 – 2028, the Department leverages four pillars (Prevent, Deter, Detect and Account) to ensure that suspected fraud and non-compliance in our welfare system is kept to a minimum.
As part of this approach the Department utilises control surveys to identify the risks within individual schemes and the steps that are necessary to address any control weaknesses identified. Control surveys are targeted surveys of a random sample of claims in payment on selected schemes. The surveys are reported on annually by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG). The outcomes of these surveys are used to calculate the net loss to Government due to fraud/error for the various schemes.
The most recent control survey on Jobseekers Allowance was published in March 2025 which found that the Net Loss to Government was 5.8% of total expenditure on the scheme.
The most recent Disability Allowance survey was published in February 2023 which found that the Net Loss to Government was 5.8% of total expenditure on the scheme.
The most recent Child Benefit survey was published in February 2022 which found that the Net Loss to Government was 1.2% of total expenditure on the scheme.
My Department is committed to publishing two control surveys each year and these are published on gov.ie. The Department analyses the outcomes from control surveys to target and eliminate any areas of risk identified.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
692. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of all consultations undertaken to date with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in relation to the proposed cost of disability payment; to provide a chronological timeline of these consultations, including dates, format (that is meetings, forums, surveys); the location where relevant; to specify which individuals, disability organisations, and advocacy groups were consulted at each stage; the issues or proposals which were discussed at each consultation; the feedback or recommendations which were received; the way in which this feedback has informed policy development to date; the further consultation which is planned, including expected timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5802/26]
View answerThe Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people. Our Programme for Government commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
The Programme for Government commits to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment. In addition, under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, my Department is leading a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability. While it is led by my Department, it includes other Government departments in this cross-government endeavour, and also includes disabled people and their advocates.
This work, will inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. I have asked my officials to prioritise this work with a view to bringing a proposal to Government in the first half of this year.
My officials have held bi-lateral meetings with a number of organisations to discuss the structure and content of the Strategic Focus Network Summit. These in person meetings were held with National Disability Authority, As I Am, Family Carers Ireland and Disability Federation of Ireland in Dublin in October 2025.
The Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network was the main Agenda item at the meeting of my Department's Disability Consultative Forum, on December 2nd last. This was a hybrid meeting, taking place on-line and in Dublin. The organisations that attended were Chime, Disability Federation Ireland, Inclusion Ireland, Independent People with Disabilities, Irish Society for Autism, Irish Wheelchair Association, National Advocacy Service, National Disability Authority, Rehab and Vision Ireland. Officials from across government were also in attendance given that this is a whole of Government issue.
A meeting with the Disabled Persons Organisation's Network took place on Friday, 23rd January. At the Network's request, the meeting was held on-line. All five of the Network member organisations were represented, namely, the Irish Deaf Society, the National Platform of Self-Advocates, Disabled Women Ireland, AsIAm and Independent Living Movement Ireland.
Discussions at these meetings covered issues in relation to the Strategic Focus Network Summit as well as cost of disability issues more generally.
I will be launching a public consultation process on the Strategic Focus Network summit in the coming weeks, and a follow-up consultations with the Disabled Persons Organisation's Network is being planned.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
693. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employees enrolled in the MyFutureFund pension scheme by band of total number of employees per employer (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5803/26]
View answer694. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the percentage of employees who have been enrolled in MyFutureFund, by band, of total number of employees per employer (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5804/26]
View answer695. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the number and percentage of public sector workers who have been enrolled in the MyFutureFund pension scheme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5805/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 693, 694 and 695 together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce the Automatic Enrolment (AE) Retirement Savings System. The aim of introducing AE is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland and to provide workers with access to a quality assured retirement savings scheme, thereby giving greater comfort and security regarding their retirement income.
The new system - known as My Future Fund - commenced on the 1 January 2026. Over 763,000 employees that weren't actively contributing to a qualifying pension or PRSA through payroll were eligible and were automatically enrolled in My Future Fund. These employees work for approximately 103,000 employers. The scheme is managed by a new statutory body, the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA), which operates under the aegis of my Department.
Data on the number and percentage of employees enrolled in My Future Fund by the number of employees per employer is not yet available at this very early stage in the project as work is ongoing to refine the methodology to interrogate the data and produce reports.
Data on the business sector is available and indicates that 1,346 participants in My Future Fund work in the category "Public administration and defence; compulsory social security", which can be used as a proxy for public sector workers. Using data from the Public Service Numbers databank and uprated to allow for growth in 2025, there are currently about 415,000 employees working in the public sector. On this basis, the percentage of public sector workers who have been enrolled in the My Future Fund is 0.003%.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
696. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of WTE community welfare officers based in Kildare as of 19 January 2026, in tabular form. [5839/26]
View answerThe delivery of vital locally based Community Welfare Services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens across the country is a priority for me and for my department. The Community Welfare Service (CWS) provides a flexible service to meet the different needs of people, who may find themselves in a financially difficult or vulnerable situation. It is a priority that this service is easily accessible and responsive to our client’s needs.
Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) are physically on site daily in over 51 locations across the country where they are available without an appointment, during business hours, Monday to Friday.
In addition to meeting people in Intreo Centres and Department of Social Protection offices, CWOs can facilitate an appointment within a short time of a person requiring such a meeting, at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home. This reflects my commitment to continue to support the delivery of locally based services.
While local face-to-face engagement with people continues to be a cornerstone of the CWS, it is important to mention that a person does not need to meet with a CWO to make an application and any person who needs to access the CWS can call the National CWS freephone number at 0818 60 70 80, to make an appointment or arrange to speak directly to a CWO. A person can speak with a CWO over the phone if they do not wish to travel to meet with a CWO in person. This service is used by customers in rural areas in particular, who can have their needs met without the requirement to travel.
All Community Welfare Services Higher Executive Officers (HEOs) based in Kildare have been appointed Designated Persons who can act and make a decision on a claim as required. On a day-to-day basis they may carryout other roles within the CWS to include working as part the National Rents Supplement Section, and the CWS National phone line. The table below shows the number of Designated Persons currently based in Kildare as of the 19 January 2026.
|
County |
Grade |
Headcount |
WTE |
|
Kildare |
HEO |
12.00 |
11.10 |
I have asked my officials to host an information session on the Community Welfare Service for all Oireachtas members. Details of this will be communicated shortly, and I will ensure that the Deputy is made aware of it.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
697. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of rent supplement, by band and the amount received by each recipient, in tabular form. [5843/26]
View answer698. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of rent supplement payments made to applicants who pay rent above the rent limited for their county of residence but have been granted the rent supplement on discretionary grounds; the percentage of these payments which comprise of total rent payments; the average amount by which their monthly rents exceed the limit; the duration for which payments are made, by county, in tabular form. [5844/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 697 and 698 together.
Rent Supplement is a short-term support paid to families and individuals living in private rented accommodation, as a support when they first encounter difficulties in meeting rent costs, for example on loss of employment when they apply for a jobseeker payment. Where longer term support is required, the person transitions on to the Housing Assistance Payment. The rent limits applied on Rent Supplement are aligned with those on the Housing Assistance Payment.
Rent Supplement limits are reflective of geographical area and household family compositions. While there are maximum rent limits in place, in recognition of the on-going rental market difficulties, the Department continues to implement a targeted case-by-case flexible payment policy approach that allows for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of the rent limits. There is discretion available to ensure short-term private rental accommodation needs are met.
At the end of December 2025, there were 5,706 Rent Supplement claims in payment. Table 1 shows the number of awarded Rent Supplement claims by monthly payment bands. It is not practical to provide the individual payment amount for each Rent Supplement recipient.
Table 2 shows the number of Rent Supplement claims awarded above the maximum rent limits and the percentage these comprise of the total number of claims by county at the end of December 2025.
As maximum rent limits vary by geographical area and household family composition, it is not possible to provide the average amount by which monthly rents charged exceed the rent limits.
Table 3 shows the duration of Rent Supplement claims that are paid above the maximum rent limits at the end of December 2025.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1 – Rent Supplement claims awarded by monthly payment amount at the end of December 2025
|
Monthly Payment |
No. of Claims Awarded |
|
> €1,000 |
4,448 |
|
> €2,000 |
1,196 |
|
> €3,000 |
62 |
|
Total |
5,706 |
Table 2 - Number of Rent Supplement claims awarded above the maximum rent limits and the percentage these comprise of the total number of claims by county at the end of December 2025
|
County |
No. claims awarded above the Rent Limit |
Percentage of awarded claims where the Rent Supplement paid exceeds the Rent Limit |
|
Carlow |
19 |
28% |
|
Cavan |
31 |
37% |
|
Clare |
24 |
48% |
|
Cork |
147 |
19% |
|
Donegal |
35 |
56% |
|
Dublin |
500 |
19% |
|
Galway |
39 |
20% |
|
Kerry |
65 |
29% |
|
Kildare |
54 |
27% |
|
Kilkenny |
18 |
50% |
|
Laois |
18 |
56% |
|
Leitrim |
13 |
41% |
|
Limerick |
38 |
30% |
|
Longford |
40 |
51% |
|
Louth |
44 |
56% |
|
Mayo |
39 |
35% |
|
Meath |
53 |
46% |
|
Monaghan |
20 |
31% |
|
Offaly |
16 |
37% |
|
Roscommon |
27 |
53% |
|
Sligo |
17 |
30% |
|
Tipperary |
34 |
40% |
|
Waterford |
19 |
53% |
|
Westmeath |
20 |
18% |
|
Wexford |
56 |
35% |
|
Wicklow |
72 |
32% |
|
Total |
1,458 |
|
Table 3 - Rent Supplement claims awarded above the maximum rent limits by claim duration, broken down by county, at the end December 2025
|
County |
0 - 12 Months |
13 - 18 Months |
>18 Months |
Total |
|
Carlow |
7 |
4 |
8 |
19 |
|
Cavan |
11 |
3 |
17 |
31 |
|
Clare |
17 |
1 |
6 |
24 |
|
Cork |
87 |
18 |
42 |
147 |
|
Donegal |
23 |
5 |
7 |
35 |
|
Dublin |
216 |
65 |
219 |
500 |
|
Galway |
16 |
10 |
13 |
39 |
|
Kerry |
35 |
9 |
21 |
65 |
|
Kildare |
23 |
6 |
25 |
54 |
|
Kilkenny |
10 |
1 |
7 |
18 |
|
Laois |
6 |
9 |
3 |
18 |
|
Leitrim |
5 |
5 |
3 |
13 |
|
Limerick |
20 |
3 |
15 |
38 |
|
Longford |
23 |
8 |
9 |
40 |
|
Louth |
24 |
7 |
13 |
44 |
|
Mayo |
21 |
5 |
13 |
39 |
|
Meath |
26 |
9 |
18 |
53 |
|
Monaghan |
9 |
4 |
7 |
20 |
|
Offaly |
8 |
4 |
4 |
16 |
|
Roscommon |
17 |
3 |
7 |
27 |
|
Sligo |
11 |
3 |
3 |
17 |
|
Tipperary |
17 |
6 |
11 |
34 |
|
Waterford |
12 |
3 |
4 |
19 |
|
Westmeath |
8 |
5 |
7 |
20 |
|
Wexford |
27 |
7 |
22 |
56 |
|
Wicklow |
24 |
8 |
40 |
72 |
|
Total |
703 |
211 |
544 |
1,458 |
