Robert O'Donoghue
Question:495. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47661/26]
View answerTuesday, 23 June 2026
Questions (495)
Written answers
The Rent Supplement (RS) 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.
Supports from my department are not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has the primary responsibility. The responsibility for the provision of rent support to those with long-term housing need rests with the local authorities. Persons with long-term housing need should contact their local authority where information is available about suitable housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
The person concerned has been in receipt of RS since April 2017. Department records indicate that the Community Welfare Officer (CWO) who made a house visit to the person, assisted them with the completion of their initial application for RS, and also with the application for Social Housing support. The onus was on the person to send the Housing Support application to the relevant local authority together with any supporting documents required. The Department cannot confirm if the application was submitted.
The person should contact Fingal County Council if they require access to a previously submitted housing application.
I trust this clarifies the matter.