Vol. 473 No. 4
280 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Environment the changes, if any, which have taken place in local authority housing legislation to provide for separated persons; the changes, if any, he intends to introduce in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23835/96]
Eligibility for local authority housing is determined by housing authorities on the basis of assessments of housing need carried out under section 9 of the Housing Act, 1988. The most recent such assessment was carried out on 29 March last. Authorities were advised, in guidelines issued by my Department, that applicants should not be debarred from inclusion in the assessment by virtue solely of their marital status. No amendment to housing legislation is required to provide for the needs of separated persons.
