Vol. 566 No. 1
706 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if consideration is being given to a special social housing provision for performing artists in view of the financial precariousness of their profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11429/03]
It is a matter for each local authority to administer the local authority and social housing programmes in their area, having regard, as appropriate, to the housing needs of their area and their scheme of letting priorities.
In accordance with locally adopted schemes of letting priorities, local authorities, in making an assessment of an applicant's housing need, have regard, inter alia, to the income and family circumstances of the applicant. Persons who are, in the opinion of the local authority, unable to provide for their housing needs from their own resources are assessed as being eligible for local authority housing. Therefore, the type of employment or profession of an applicant is not a factor as such in the assessment of housing need but rather a broad view is taken of an applicant's circumstances.
