Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2025
298. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department will provide more clarity on the availability of welfare priority for care leavers under exceptional social grounds in situations where they are at risk of homelessness. [18299/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary responsibility for housing and managing homelessness lies with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the local authorities. This responsibility includes the accommodation needs of young persons leaving all forms of State care.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has responsibility for after care provision, for young people leaving care. Currently, those care-leavers who are at risk of homelessness are assisted by the Child and Family Agency, in partnership with other Government Departments or agencies.
My department is acutely aware of the challenges faced by people who are homeless. There is a protocol in place to ensure a person-focused and effective approach is applied where individuals and families who are homeless seek assistance in any of my Department’s offices across the country. 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.
Jobseeker’s Allowance may be payable by my department to young people aged 18 years where they satisfy the conditions of the scheme. The Deputy is advised that age related rates do not apply to young jobseeker’s who were in the care of The Child and Family Agency for any period of time during the 12 months immediately before their 18th birthday. The standard rate of personal Jobseeker’s Allowance of €244 per week is payable in these circumstances.
In addition, Rent Supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation. The 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. The scheme ensures that those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Furthermore, 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.
