Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

This should be an informal process unless there is information missing. The local authority has comprehensive information on each of the applicants. If someone seeks a transfer, it is a formal situation. The Department does not require the use of the new standard application form for transfers. Local authorities are free to set up transfer procedures and to require the completion of forms. I take the Deputy's point about the new application form. Getting it online is a good suggestion. It is designed to provide information needed by local authority for a full assessment of an applicant for social housing. There may be occasions where the provision of detailed information may be required, giving rise to a transfer. Background documentation may also be required under the old system but the new system is more comprehensive. It is a unitary system and allows one to work within the county structure.

I anticipated that Deputy Catherine Murphy was referring to County Kildare. We always fish near home. That county is preparing a new transfer application form for future use. I do not want to be prescriptive about this matter. I do not see the advantage of prescribing a standard application form for transfers. Most cases are dealt with quite easily and simply by the housing authority concerned. When it is agreed, the household is put on the transfer list. Deputy Murphy sought the reason for transfer and referred to antisocial behaviour. That is a significant cause of transfers. Local authorities are closer to people and the housing and staff officers know the situation on the ground.

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