Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
311. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider issuing a ministerial policy direction to local authorities in terms of a minimum percentage of social housing allocation being reserved for persons accommodated in emergency accommodation in order to ensure parity across the State. [45202/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe oversight and practical 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.
It is the local authority which assesses housing applicants, taking into account factors such as the condition and affordability of existing accommodation, medical and compassionate grounds, etc. The authority then prioritises the needs of approved applicants in accordance with its allocation scheme.
Decisions on the allocation of social housing support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned. Each application must be considered on its own merits and the individual circumstances taken into account.
