Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2023
172. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can outline his plans to address the crisis in elderly accommodation in the private rental market in light of a recent reports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23480/23]
View answerUnder Housing for All, there is a policy objective to increase and improve housing options for older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence. Housing for All builds on and takes forward the ongoing actions in "Housing Options for Our Ageing Population" policy statement from 2019, published jointly by my Department and the Department of Health, which provides policy options in support of a range of housing and accommodation alternatives for older people. The actions include the development of a catalogue of housing options that provide a range of choices that meet the diverse need of an ageing population, spanning owner occupier, private rental and social housing, whilst providing accessible care and the associated support needs. My Department, together with the local authorities and the Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), is guiding and delivering age-friendly housing within this framework.
The policy statement, together with the third and final Implementation Group report, are available on the Government's website at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/83781d-housing-options-for-our-ageing-population-policy-statement/
In addition, my Department has commenced a review of the Private Rental Sector which will inform Government on the measures which need to be taken to ensure a well-functioning private rental sector in Ireland that works for all.
Separately, my Department and the Department of Health are working to put in place a new framework to continue the established collaboration between the two Departments and their agencies since 2019. The framework will build on the co-operative momentum established under Housing Options for our Ageing Population, in relation to policy making and implementation, from the national to the local level, to continue to deliver housing and supports for our ageing population.
