Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. Applications for housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority in accordance with the eligibility and needs criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated social housing assessment regulations. The regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority in differing bands according to each area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard household means policy.

The income bands and the authority area assigned to each were based on an assessment of income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation in the country.

A blanket increase of €5,000 was introduced prior to the new system coming into operation.

Housing for All - A new Housing Plan for Ireland, was published in September 2021, as the Deputy knows, and was part of a broad suite of social housing reforms committed to reviewing income eligibility for housing. The review, which examined the efficiency of the current banding model and income limits applicable to local authorities, has been completed and the Minister is currently considering its findings and expects to make a decision shortly on the recommendations.

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