Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
371. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons and families who have been removed from housing lists across the country over the past two years as a result of being above the income limit for social housing support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11487/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is not available in my Department.
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 (as amended).
The legislation allows for household’s eligibility to be reviewed at the discretion of the relevant local authority or if the local authority becomes aware of a change in circumstances. Furthermore, it provides that the household’s eligibility shall be reassessed at the point of allocation of support. If a household is found to exceed the income eligibility limits upon review, they will be removed from the respective waiting list. Such households may re-apply for social housing support at any stage, subject to meeting the eligibility and need criteria at the time they apply.
Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of support. The income eligibility requirements generally achieve this – they provide for a fair and equitable system of identifying households with the greatest difficulty meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.
