Kerry housing assistance cap
Deputy Healy-Rae asked that the Kerry housing assistance payment cap be raised in light of very high rents. Minister of State English said the 20% flexibility above the cap exists, the issue had not been raised as a main concern, and he would examine evidence if provided.
The cost of rent in Kerry for families and one-parent families with three or four children has become very high. It is €1,200 a month. I want to ask about the housing assistance payment cap. The housing assistance payment in Kerry is capped at €575. Other counties have a much higher cap. In light of the increase in the cost of houses per month, which is €1,200 to €2,000 per month in Killarney and other big towns such as Kenmare and Dingle, will the Government do something about raising the housing assistance payment cap in Kerry?
Comment on this
I recently met the chief executive and staff of the local authority in Kerry and that matter was not put to me as one of their main issues of concern. There is enough room with the housing assistance payment in certain cases, as there is a 20% allowance to go above the cap if needs be. It was not raised with me, but I am happy to discuss it with the Deputy and with the local authority. If there is evidence, we will look at it. We keep these levels under consideration throughout the country. In most cases, the 20% space allowed for is not used.