asked the Minister for the Environment the role he has in approving, disapproving or varying house letting schemes by local authorities; if he would outline the process by which house letting schemes come to be drafted, approved and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - House Letting Schemes.
109.
Under section 60 of the Housing Act, 1966, as amended by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1979, and the Housing Act, 1984, it is the duty of each housing authority to make a scheme determining the priorities to be accorded to different categories of persons in the letting of houses. In making a scheme the housing authority is required to have regard to the primary objectives set out in section 60 (3) of the Act such as the elimination of unfit housing and overcrowding, the provision of accommodation for persons in need of it who are unable to provide it from their own resources, etc. A scheme or any amendment to a scheme requires approval.
There is provision empowering the Minister, as respects any matter in a scheme, to require the authority to vary the scheme in a manner directed by him. The authority have a duty to comply with such direction within such time as the Minister may specify. This provision may not be construed or operated to enable the Minister to direct the letting of a dwelling to any particular person.
The implementation of schemes of letting priorities is a matter for each housing authority and the Minister for the Environment has no direct function in the matter.