Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 1997

Vol. 480 No. 6

Written Answers - Local Authority Housing.

Noel O'Flynn

Question:

346 Mr. O'Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will give details of the progress and effectiveness of the estate management concept in local authority estates in relation to the local authority's understanding of the concept of estate management and the reporting procedure to his Department which is in place to assist him in his evaluation of the scheme; and if he will report on the progress and effectiveness of tenant participation, the training and qualifications of the recruited liaison officers in promoting tenant participation in estate management and the functioning of the local executive and management committees in estate management. [14542/97]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy):

The development of effective measures for the management of their housing estates, including participation by tenants, is the responsibility of local authorities. All housing authorities have adopted statements of their policy for the management of their housing stock as required by section 9 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992. The statements set out the authorities objectives and aims in relation to housing management, and the general strategies and specific measures to be employed in the attainment of these objectives and aims. The Department circulated to authorities a memorandum on the preparation of statements of policy on housing management in order to assist and guide them in this task.

There is no single uniform system of housing management which meets the requirements of all authorities. In devising its system, a local authority must take account of many factors, such as the overall size of the authority's housing stock, the size of the individual estates, their location and environment etc. a system of management must be used flexibly and adapted to the different situations on each estate, local area and housing authority.

In view of the importance attached to the management of housing estates and to further assist local authorities in this task, my Department has taken a number of initiatives: a housing management group, representative of the main social housing interests, has been established to promote best practice in housing management. Its first report contained best practice guidelines covering key aspects of estate management, including tenant involvement and staff-tenant training. The group arranged regional workshops to promote the implementation of the guidelines throughout the country together with a workshop for city and county managers to secure commitments for early implementation. A comprehensive regional network programme, which is being facilitated by the Institute of Public Administration, commenced last week. This 1997-8 programme will build on, and develop, the dissemination of best practice. The housing management initiatives grants scheme has funded pilot projects many of which related to training and development of staff and tenants to enable them to participate more fully in estate management. The allocation for the scheme has been increased this year from £ 100,000 to £ 200,000. A handbook on tenant participation in housing management, prepared by the Irish Council for Social Housing, was grant-aided by the Department. My Department has co-operated with Area Development Management Ltd. in the development and implementation of a training for trainers course in estate management and also co-operates in cross departmental initiatives which impact on the area of estate management.

The housing management group is considering what further measures should now be taken to secure better estate management. When its second report - expected shortly - is received, I will consider what further action may need to be taken.