I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 to 238, inclusive, together.
The number of households on a local authority's waiting list continuously fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. My Department does not hold information on waiting lists.
However, a statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities in accordance with the terms of the Housing Act 1988. The most recent assessment of need took place in 2008, information on which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, including a breakdown of the net need figure by housing authority. Also available on the Department’s website are details of allocations for Kildare County Council and Athy Town Council for the years up to 2008.
With regard to allocations for 2009, my Department is due to meet the housing authorities in March as part of the annual Housing Action Plan review process. Following this, 2009 allocations for the social housing investment programme will be finalised and I expect to be in a position to announce these allocations in early April. Newbridge Town Council is not a housing authority and so does not receive an allocation for social housing.
