Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 April 2017
74. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will review the income eligibility limits for social housing with particular reference to the restrictive income limits for areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16803/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs indicated in my replies to Questions No. 13 of 23 February 2017 and No. 146 of 9 March 2017, given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support.
I am satisfied that the current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this. They provide for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in providing accommodation from their own resources.
I am aware of difficulties faced by households in certain circumstances arising from the limits applicable in their areas. These issues will be considered further in the context of a review of the income eligibility limits for social housing supports as part of the broader social housing reform agenda set out in the Social Housing Strategy 2020, which is scheduled to commence later this year.
