Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
346. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps his Department is taking to ensure older people who wish to downsize or right-size are able to do so; the assistance provided in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17317/24]
View answer358. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of councils that offer a contribution scheme under which persons in homes too big for their needs can sell or offer the home to the council and, in return for a contribution from the proceeds of a sale, secure a council tenancy in a secure complex; and the number of homes that have been processed under this scheme in the past three years. [17499/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 358 together.
Housing for All commits to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence, including the development of a policy on rightsizing. The Housing for All policy objective to make more efficient use of existing housing stock includes the development of a national policy on rightsizing and to explore options to support and incentivise rightsizing on a voluntary basis. Work is being advanced in my Department to inform and progress the development of national policy on rightsizing.
Whilst some local authorities operate rightsizing schemes, housing supports and the oversight and practical management of housing waiting lists, including the application for, and allocation of, tenancies, is solely a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations. Further detail on the numbers of households who have availed of local authority rightsizing schemes may be available directly from local authorities.
