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Social and Affordable Housing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Questions (37, 53, 67)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

37. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce the cost rental form of social housing as agreed in the programme for Government. [33187/17]

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Brian Stanley

Question:

53. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the progress being made to advance the cost to rent rental housing scheme as committed to in the programme for Government. [33114/17]

View answer

Joan Collins

Question:

67. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that a group (details supplied) will be included in the expert group to develop a cost rental model for the rental sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33374/17]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 53 and 67 together.

The Strategy for the Rental Sector, published in December 2016, noted that the Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to develop a "cost rental" option, taking account of work already completed in this area, including by the National Economic and Social Council and others.

In line with this commitment, Action 12 of the Strategy commits my Department to lead an expert group to develop a cost rental model for the Irish rental sector. This Group will address issues such as funding mechanisms, the need to grow the necessary institutional capacity, particularly within the AHB and not-for-profit sector (whether through mergers, new entrants or strategic partnerships), rent levels, the households to be targeted and the appropriate regulation mechanisms.

The Expert Group will assess the benefits that a larger and more developed not-for-profit segment would bring to the rental sector and the housing system, by increasing supply of rental accommodation for middle-income households and ensuring new capacity is developed and attracted into Ireland. The Expert Group will also consider various proposals, including the proposal to establish a semi-State company to progress the cost rental model, in the course of its work.

It is my intention to establish this Expert Group in the coming weeks and the development of a proposal regarding its membership and terms of reference is currently being prepared in my Department. As committed in the Rental Strategy, it is envisaged that the Expert Group will report initially before the end of the year.

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