Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will introduce a shorter and more specific application form for those seeking a local authority housing transfer; if he will agree to include the reason the transfer is being sought; if he collects statistics on the number of transfer applications; the numbers who achieve such transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15487/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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At present, local authorities are free to use their own application forms for social housing tenants seeking a transfer from their current accommodation. In some cases they may use the existing standard application form when there is a lot of new information to collect. In such cases, it should be indicated that it is a transfer rather than a new application. However, this is a matter for the housing authority concerned. My Department currently does not collect statistics on the number of transfer applications made to housing authorities, the numbers of transfers completed, or the reasons transfers are sought.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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That is the problem. Kildare County Council uses the same form regardless of whether it is a fresh application for housing or a transfer request, so that is counted in the figures for those seeking housing. It distorts the figures. It also removes the prospect of gathering information on why transfers are sought. There are a number of reasons, such as health matters and the size of the household, but the main one is anti-social behaviour. There are some brilliant tenant liaison officers but even with the best will in the world they can only do so much. There must be a multi-agency approach. Is the Minister aware that there is a cost in the provision of transfers? Plumbing and electrics must be checked. Calculating the cost of the transfers would show there is some value for money in what I am saying if one captures information and deals with it. Does the Minister of State agree that one must capture this information in order to plan for needs and respond to the difficulties? The last time the Minister of State attended Question Time, I asked if he would consider an online version. Will the Minister of State consider the same thing for a transfer form, with the same application form used nationally?

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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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.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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If we do not capture the reasons, we cannot respond when there is a problem. If the reason is included on a form, such as design issues or antisocial behaviour, one can then deal with it because one sees the nature and scale of the problem. That is why I ask for it to be included.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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I do not see how this could be of benefit to the Department or to me. These matters are dealt with at local level.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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They are not dealt with.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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There is no one better than people at local level to implement the transfer where appropriate. The last thing I want to do is to take a dictatorial attitude to whether someone should be transferred or the background reason for it. The background reason is a matter of discussion between the applicant, possibly a local representative and the housing officer involved. In 18 years as a member of a local authority, I thought this was the best way to ensure a transfer took place. Gathering statistics is one aspect of the matter and I am not against it. In fairness, Deputy Murphy is consistent on this point. The last thing I want to do is dictate to local authorities because that is the point at which matters go awry. Local authorities should receive their allocation and use the broadly standardised form in respect of the application system. The last thing the Department should want to do is tell local authorities how to effect the transfer. Every transfer should be treated on its merits and I would like to see local authorities retain autonomy.