Vol. 536 No. 6
176 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the criteria and guidelines for a voluntary organisation to obtain funding for the construction of social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15257/01]
Voluntary bodies must be approved by my Department as an approved body in order to qualify for financial assistance towards the provision of housing. In order to be considered for approved status a body must have as an object the provision of housing, the relief of housing need or poverty or hardship or the welfare of Travellers. In addition, it must have provisions in its memorandum of association or registered rules, as the case may be, prohibiting the distribution of any surplus, profit, bonus or dividend to members and requiring that the assets of the body be applied solely to its objects.
177 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the role and function of a local authority in approving the development of social housing by a voluntary organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15258/01]
The provision of housing by approved voluntary housing bodies is supported by my Department under two separate funding schemes – the capital assistance scheme and the rental subsidy scheme. These schemes are administered by local authorities and the question of compliance with the terms of the schemes including issues such as planning, site selection, tender procedures, technical standards and the suitability of particular projects in relation to local needs etc., are matters for the local authority to determine. Local authorities are also responsible for seeking funding approval for individual projects from my Department.
