Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2979. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of social housing within council stock that are wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34501/19]
View answer2994. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of social housing units within council stock that are wheelchair accessible within south central areas of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34593/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2979 and 2994 together.
The information requested is not available in my Department.
In accordance with the statutory provisions relating to the provision of social housing, local authorities must take account of the needs of all applicants, including those with disabilities, when making their allocation schemes.
Arising from the vision and strategic aims of the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD) to achieve a coordinated and integrated approach to meeting the housing needs of people with a disability at local level, Housing and Disability Steering Groups (HDSGs) have been established in all local authority areas. These are chaired by the Directors of Housing, with membership including the HSE and disability representatives.
Each HDSG has prepared a local Strategic Plan for its own City/County area, to develop specific local strategies to meet the identified and emerging housing needs of people with disabilities in their areas, with a view to developing annual targets for the delivery of housing to people with a disability on their housing waiting lists. Plans are now operational in each local authority and, along with the annual Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA), allow local authorities to plan more strategically for the housing needs of people with a disability and support the delivery of accommodation using all appropriate housing mechanisms.
