Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The recently published Housing Policy Review 1990-2002, which is available in the Oireachtas Library, was produced by the housing unit at the request of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The primary purpose of the report is to document the principal changes to the system of housing provision and policy in Ireland since 1990. It also outlines recent social and economic developments which have impacted on housing and the range of market and non-market housing options which are available. Its target audience is housing researchers, practitioners and students.

The report outlines the factors influencing housing and the housing market which have changed dramatically since 1990. It examines how the Government's housing policy has had to adapt accordingly. The report notes that since 1990, the response to the broad range of housing needs has developed with the introduction of a range of better-targeted schemes aimed at those on low incomes and those with special housing needs.

While the primary purpose of the report was to document recent developments, it also highlights issues in some areas that merit further examination. The report provides useful background information for the review of the effectiveness of social and affordable housing, which is being conducted in accordance with a commitment in Sustaining Progress. Some of the issues raised were referred to in the recent NESC report on housing and are being examined by the Government in the context of its consideration of that report.

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