Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 April 2024
84. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a social housing passport will be introduced that will allow persons on social housing waiting lists to change local authority without losing time on the list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18283/24]
View answerThe Programme for Government provides for a package of social housing reforms, including a social housing passport to allow households move from one local authority waiting list to another.
An initial scoping exercise was carried out which identified a range of practical and administrative issues, including those related to the maintenance of seniority on housing waiting lists, local connection requirements, the efficient allocation of existing housing stock, and resource implications for local authorities. Further work is required to assess the practical application of such a scheme in the context of other reform package measures.
It should be noted however, there is already a degree of flexibility regarding housing waiting lists. The four Dublin local authorities have arrangements allowing social housing applicants apply for housing in up to two of the other Dublin authorities simultaneously. Similar arrangements apply in the two Cork and two Galway local authorities. Households may also move and relocate between housing authority areas under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme where the household income is within the relevant income limits.
