I propose to take Questions Nos. 504 to 510, inclusive, and 512 together.
My Department's involvement with the voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the schemes, and the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding schemes, are the responsibility of the local authority.
Approved housing bodies are responsible for the proper management and maintenance of dwellings provided under the terms of the funding schemes and for the operation of letting policies, the fixing of rents and compliance with all relevant statutory requirements. Tenancy matters are generally covered in the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement between an approved housing body and tenant, which are broadly based on Landlord and Tenant legislation.
Complaints in relation to the management and operation of voluntary housing schemes, including complaints by individual tenants, are, in the first instance, a matter between the tenant and the relevant approved housing body. Tenants may also make complaints to the local authority where accommodation provided by an approved housing body is not considered to be in compliance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008. Local authorities, may in certain circumstances, mediate in tenancy disputes between an approved housing body and their tenants.
The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) and the National Association of Building Co-operatives (Nabco) are the representative bodies for the voluntary and co-operative housing sector in Ireland. Both organisations provide promotion, information, advice and training services to approved housing bodies. The ICSH provides a range of housing management services to approved housing bodies including a Housing Association Performance Management framework which aims to promote good housing management practice and to demonstrate accountability to customers and stakeholders. The ICSH also makes available a Standard Tenancy Agreement for Housing Associations as well as Rent Books for use by approved housing bodies, details of which are available on the ICSH website at www.icsh.ie.
In line with the commitments set out in the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities my Department is currently undertaking, with the assistance of outside consultants, a strategic review of the role of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector in the provision, maintenance and management of social rented accommodation in Ireland. I intend to publish the consultancy report being prepared as part of this review following its completion later in the Autumn and to engage in consultation with stakeholders on the issues arising from the report. It is not possible, from the systems in place, to state definitively the number of representations received by my Department from tenants of approved housing bodies, but it is considered that the numbers involved are not significant. However, the need for an independent review mechanism on tenancy disputes between approved housing bodies and their tenants will be considered in the light of the review referred to above.