Minister called on to reinstate free phone number

THE abolition of a centralised free phone number in Dublin 15 for rent supplement applicants has been described as a scandalous and deliberate attempt to target the most vulnerable in society.

The Government has come in for criticism following confirmation that the free phone number, which operated for the Central Rents Unit in Dublin 15, is no longer in use.

It was replaced by a Lo-Call number and while the cost is less than a standard number, calling from a mobile can be expensive meaning cash-strapped residents will be out of pocket if they make lengthy calls to enquire about their applications.

Local TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) criticised the Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton for what he described as

“the undue hardship

? being placed on those in receipt of rent allowance.

He called on the Minister to reinstate the free phone number due to the increased financial difficulties for people who have very limited means.

“The situation in Dublin 15 is particularly stark due to the absence of a free phone number for people to discuss their applications,

? Deputy Nulty stated.

“According to organisations working directly with families applying for rent supplement, this means that people can be waiting for an hour to speak to someone about their application and this can cost up to e40 in telephone bills.

?

In response to questioning, Minister Burton, who represents Dublin West, explained why the free phone number was abolished.

“The free phone number which operated for the Central Rents Unit serving Dublin 15 was operational while the unit was attached to the HSE,

? she stated.

“This number was attached to the HSE building housing the unit and did not transfer with the unit to the Department [of Social Protection].

“A Lo-call number was then implemented for the unit.

“The Central Rent Unit dealing with parts of Dublin 15 is keeping all means of contact under review to ensure that clients are able to access it as required and in this regard will shortly introduce a central email address so that customers will have an additional method of communication.

?

Focus Ireland recently revealed that a series of cuts by successive Governments to rent supplement limits is actually contributing to some people becoming homeless.

The charity warned that further budget cuts to rent supplement will see more people become homeless and also force many more households deeper into debt – putting them at greater risk of losing their homes.

A recent research report by Focus Ireland also raised the issue of the abolition of the free phone number.

The research included an interview with a rent supplement recipient who described how the system is very hard to engage with.