Housing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024

Tuesday, 21 May 2024

Questions (353)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

353. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline, given that applicants for social housing require a demonstrated connection to the area in which they are applying, how somebody (details supplied) who has recently received a stamp 4 visa, despite having lived without documentation in Dublin city for the past 12 years in various hostels, demonstrated eligibility; and what documentation will be required for them to establish eligibility for social housing in order that they can find housing. [22613/24]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.

The Regulations provide that households may apply for support to one local authority only. Usually, this will be the local authority for the area in which the household normally resides or with which the household has a local connection. In accordance with the regulations, local authorities may also, at their discretion, assess households with no link to the area for support.

Decisions on the qualification of specific persons for social housing support, the most appropriate form of any such support, and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.