Local Authority Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Questions (487)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

487. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that more than 7,000 housing applicants were cancelled by Dublin City Council in 2007 and 2011 housing assessment reviews; if council contacts with its clients can be improved when an applicant genuinely believed they remained on the housing list even following a move to another tenancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52711/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Decisions on the eligibility of specific persons for social housing support and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the housing authority concerned. A household may be determined to be in need of social housing support where, in accordance with the 2011 social housing assessment regulations, a housing authority considers that the household’s current accommodation is unsuitable for its adequate housing, having regard to particular household circumstances or on exceptional medical or compassionate grounds. The household must also meet the other need and eligibility criteria prescribed in the 2011 regulations in order to qualify for social housing support. It is a matter for the housing authority to communicate with both applicants for social housing support and current tenants, and I would expect such communication and access to information to be provided using all reasonable means to facilitate an efficient and effective service.