asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people in receipt of rent allowance for the years 1986-87.

The number of recipients of rent allowance was 1,348 on 31 December 1986 and 1,285 on 31 December 1987.

May I ask the Minister to clarify that this is the rent payable arising from the Supreme Court decision in the Madigan case and does not include those people who get mortgage relief or rent assistance from the supplementary welfare system?

No. It is a scheme which was introduced specificially for those people and naturally, therefore, the number will be declining year by year. It is that scheme.

Arising from the Supreme Court case?

It is the rent allowance for tenants affected by the decontrol of rents.

Will the Minister indicate the amount of money involved in the total number of cases? Will he also indicate whether there is a requirement on the landlord to comply with the regulations laid down in the legislation?

This question is essentially a statistical one.

I appreciate that, a Cheann Comhairle.

If the Deputy wishes to have further information he must put down questions.

Is there a requirement on the landlord to comply with regulations before this money is paid over?

I can give the Deputy the figures; £1.04 million in 1986 and £1.01 milion in 1987.