Rent Supplement increase must be part of broader efforts to tackle housing crisis – O’Brien

​Fianna Fáil TD Darragh O’Brien says the Government’s decision to increase rent supplement, was one of his party’s priorities and in line with the Confidence and Supply Agreement with Fianna Fáil.

Commenting on the announcement Deputy O’Brien said, “A rent supplement increase was a very important feature of both our election manifesto and discussions with Fine Gael to secure a minority Government. 
“Fianna Fáil negotiators fought for an increase in rent supplement during the minority Government talks which took place earlier this year. Despite fierce opposition we forced for this vital measure to be contained in the agreement between our party and Fine Gael.

“Too many families in my constituency have been troubled by the risk of losing their homes due to rapidly rising rents for some time now. From July 1st, a couple or one parent family with 3 children in Dublin-Fingal will now qualify for a rent supplement of €1,200 – an increase of €250 per month. My party colleagues and I hope that this increase will ensure families can stay in their homes and prevent more families falling into homelessness.

“The Government’s decision to increase rent supplement limits in major urban areas such as Dublin-Fingal will help but ultimately, the only long term solution to the crisis we are facing across Ireland, is an increased supply of houses.

“Fianna Fáil devised sensible proposals to help the most vulnerable, to ensure that families are not forced out of their homes, into hotels. While I welcome the increase in rent supplement, it is just one element of a much broader package of measures that are required to tackle the crisis in housing.

“The Government must now examine and implement the recommendations of the all-party Oireachtas Housing Committee without delay so that this emergency can be brought under control,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.