161. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36784/15]

224. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36045/15]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 224 together.

The details supplied in the correspondence refer to a person who is a customer of this Department; however the correspondence itself is from a third party. Under Data Protection legislation the Department cannot therefore comment on the matter, other than to say that officials of the Department are giving assistance to the person concerned.