€1.6bn paid out in rent supplements in past six years
25/07/2006 - 13:37:36The amount of taxpayers' money being paid out in rent allowance has more than doubled over the past six years, according to figures under discussion at the Oireachtas public accounts committee today.
The committee has heard that €369m was paid out in rent supplements in 2005, compared to €150m six years ago.
The total amount spent on the programme since 2000 is €1.6bn.
The allowances are paid to people on social welfare and those on low incomes who struggle to meet the cost of renting private accommodation.
The public accounts committee is currently considering whether to recommend a continuation of the scheme or the diversion of greater public money into social and affordable housing.
