Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)

I tabled this question because of the large number of people experiencing difficulty in having their names added to local authority housing waiting lists. While I accept the Minister of State's comments on the introduction of a standardised set of eligibility criteria, the new application form runs to between 16 and 18 pages and as many as 18 separate items of documentation and supporting evidence are required of applicants. This is causing significant problems. In some cases, it is easier to obtain a visa to visit Australia than to join the local authority housing waiting list.

When I raised the issue of medical evidence with the Minister of State about three months ago, he provided a helpful reply in which he stated it was not a requirement in all cases that a medical report be provided by a consultant. The local authorities continue to hold out in this regard and are demanding that a consultant's report be furnished, despite the Minister of State's clear statement that such a report is not required in all cases. There is a communications problem in this regard.

At least two local authorities have withdrawn the requirement that applicants for local authority housing have a local connection dating back five years. This clause has been questioned and challenged. What is the position in this regard?

The guidelines require that a copy of the tenancy agreement be furnished. Some local authorities also seek the landlord's Private Residential Tenancies Board, PRTB, registration number. While Sinn Féin supports full compliance with the requirements of the PRTB, the refusal of some landlords to provide tenants with a PRTB number is creating major problems for housing applicants. In some cases, landlords who have a PRTB number are refusing to provide either a PRTB or PPS number. It is also difficult for tenants to obtain from a landlord written confirmation that rent payments are up to date. For example, landlords are reluctant to provide such confirmation in cases where the tenant pays rent one month in advance.

I ask the Minister of State to provide clarification as regards the provision of the PRTB number and the five year local residency clause. I have a copy of his previous reply on the requirement to furnish a consultant's report as medical evidence. Will local authorities be informed by circular that such evidence is no longer necessary in all cases and that, for example, an occupational therapist's report may suffice in some cases?

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