Local Authority Housing Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2019

Thursday, 7 November 2019

Questions (216)

Niall Collins

Question:

216. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will contact local authorities to ascertain their policies regarding housing applications for returning Irish emigrants (details supplied); if the necessary changes will be made to ensure the process is as straightforward and transparent as possible in terms of assisting and facilitating housing applications for returning Irish emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45846/19]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), capital funding of up to 100% of project costs may be advanced by local authorities to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to provide housing for specific categories of housing need, which can include elderly returning emigrants. The housing need of such emigrants are assessed by Safe Home Ireland. They act in a co-ordinating role for emigrants wishing to return to Ireland, assess eligibility and liaise with AHBs on housing availability.

This is the policy and approach set out by my Department in relation to the availability of housing for returning emigrants via CAS. This is an important area for housing delivery under CAS and different local authorities do not operate to different policies in this regard. However, if there is a specific instance where difficulties have arisen with the provision of CAS support for a returning emigrant, my Department can follow up if the information is provided on the case.