Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
279. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is providing supports for older renters who are unable to retire due to the high cost of their rent, particularly those whose incomes put them over the threshold for social housing support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5498/24]
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 included 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. Both the policy statement and Housing for All commit to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence.
The Housing for All Action Plan Update in November 2022 included an action to review the operation of the private rental sector and report on policy. My Department has commenced this review which will take into account the significant regulatory changes over the past several years and the Government will consider and act on its recommendations. The review will draw conclusions on how our housing system could provide an efficient, viable, affordable, safe and secure framework for both landlords and tenants and will be finalised as early as possible.
