Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
878. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will contact the housing department of Kilkenny County Council to determine the reason for delays in processing approval of arrangements for a housing transfer on certified health grounds for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11855/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe oversight and management of housing waiting lists, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations.
Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support and to households approved for a transfer, the allocation of which would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the accommodation needs and requirements of the households.
Section 22(17) of the 2009 Act provides that the Minister’s power to direct a local authority regarding the operation of its allocation scheme shall not be construed or operate to enable the Minister to direct the allocation of a dwelling to a particular household. I am, therefore, precluded from intervening in relation to the procedures followed, or decisions made, by local authorities in the allocation of particular dwellings.
