Olivia Mitchell
Question:296 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the countrywide housing waiting list for the three years 1998, 1999 and 2000; and the current number of families awaiting housing. [9458/01]
Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.
Comprehensive statutory assessments of local authority housing needs are carried out on a triennial basis. The results of the most recent assessment of housing needs which was undertaken by local authorities at the end of March 1999 indicated a total 39,176 households in need of local authority housing. From ongoing contacts by my Department with local authorities it is estimated that needs increased by around 15% between March 1999 and March 2000. The next comprehensive assessment of housing need is due to be undertaken by local authorities at the end of March 2002.