Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
345. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the impact that the lack of social housing is having on lone parents and their children (details supplied); when he expects that these parents who have been waiting for many years will be offered a social home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14705/22]
View answerHousing for All, is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes by 2030, including 47,600 new build social homes in the period 2022-2026. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
This year, we will deliver 9,000 new build social homes. This increased stock will support increased allocations by local authorities to households on the social housing waiting lists. Pursuant to Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, it is a matter for each local authority to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support. Decisions on the allocation of social housing support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
The Housing Assistance Payment is a form of social housing support available to households on the social housing waiting list. Households eligible for social housing also have the option to source their own accommodation in the private rental sector supported by HAP.
