Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 5

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Sean Fleming

Question:

263 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his understanding in relation to applicants for local authority housing who are able to provide for their own housing through the shared ownership loans scheme, the affordable housing scheme or through a loan from the local authority; if these people are eligible for public housing from the local authority; and the mechanisms he has in place to ensure consistency of approach to this issue by the various local authorities. [4971/03]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

Local authorities are responsible for assessing housing needs in accordance with their locally adopted schemes of letting priorities. In making an assessment, local authorities have regard, inter alia, to the income and family circumstances of the applicant. Persons who are, in the opinion of the local authority, unable to provide for their housing needs from their own resources are assessed as being eligible for local authority housing. These persons may apply to be considered for housing under the shared ownership and affordable housing schemes or may apply for a local authority loan to purchase a house.