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Housing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020

Tuesday, 6 October 2020

Questions (82)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he expects to address the housing needs of families nationwide that are unable to provide themselves with affordable housing on the open market; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet the requirements of the local authorities in respect of housing adaptation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28441/20]

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Written answers

Enabling thriving housing supply, complimented by a commitment to deliver more than 50,000 social homes over the coming five years are central to ensuring affordability for families. Housing supply has increased year on year in recent years and the number of families on waiting lists for social housing has reduced by 25% between 2016 and 2019.

I am acutely aware that middle-income households feel left behind, locked out, and need our help to buy high-quality new homes. The July Stimulus announced by this Government increased the amount that first-time buyers can now claim up to 10% of the cost of a home.

My Department also operates the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, which is targeted at first time buyers who wish to own their own home, have access to an adequate deposit and have the capacity to repay a mortgage, but who are unable to access a mortgage sufficient for them to purchase their first home. The scheme has been successful since its launch. For example approximately 1,100 persons were able to purchase their own home via RIHL mortgages in 2019.

This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing solutions are available to everyone and this is reflected in the Programme for Government. I am committed to putting affordability at the heart of the housing system through the progression of State-backed affordable housing, and I will outline further plans in terms of affordable housing later in the Autumn.

The Government is also committed to helping to meet the specific housing needs of people with disabilities and older people. There is a recognised quality of life benefit in terms of facilitating the continued independent living by older people and people with a disability in their own homes. This year, my Department continued to support local authorities with €18 million being allocated under the Disabled Persons Grant scheme for local authority housing stock, and a further €73.75 million provided for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme, in respect of private housing. Funding for these schemes has been prioritised and increased year on year since 2014, and further consideration will be given to increasing this funding over the coming years in the context of the range of housing supports under consideration.

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