Special rent scheme to be extended

The rent allowance scheme for successor tenants is to be extended on July 26 next.

The scheme applies to tenants who live in what were former rent-controlled dwellings - many of whom are elderly people.

Fears were expressed last night by the housing organisation Threshold that those affected could face eviction next month at the hand of ruthless landlords, due to the expiry of a 20-year-old law introduced in 1982.

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs Mary Coughlan says rent allowances will be made available to successor tenants. "I want to assure these tenants that a regulation will be signed by me before July 26 to ensure security of tenure," she said.