asked the Minister for the Environment when the local authorities last carried out the five year housing conditions survey in their administrative areas; when the next survey is due to be carried out; the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that local authorities carry out the survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Housing Survey.
261.
House condition surveys are carried out as part of the assessment of housing needs under section 53 of the Housing Act, 1966. The most recent surveys were carried out in 1980.
Before the next assessment is carried out, it is desirable that section 53 should be updated so that categories of housing needs such as homeless persons will be included. The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 1985, included such a provision which will be repeated in a new housing Bill which I intend to bring forward.