Is the Minister aware that large amounts are being awarded by the courts on the assumption that Social Welfare will pay the difference between the existing rent and the new one? Have the Department placed an upper limit on the amount they will pay and, if not, is it the intention to introduce an upper limit?

Once a person qualifies, there is no upper limit and there are no proposals to have an upper limit. I cannot assume what impression the court might have in regard to what Social Welfare would pay.

How do the Department calculate the means? How much is allowed before one can qualify?

In the case of a married couple with means of up to £70, the rent would be £3.50. For the next £10 it would be 50p and thereafter pound for pound.