Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 2: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government his plans to review the application criteria for local authority social housing waiting lists; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an increase in social housing need during the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30520/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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The recently published statutory housing needs assessment showed an increase in the overall level of need to somewhat more than 98,000 households. The assessment breaks down housing need under several headings to identify those whose need arises, for example, from unsuitable existing accommodation, age or special needs resulting from physical or mental incapacity. A notable feature of the current assessment is the number of households whose identified need arises from their no longer being able to afford their own accommodation. This equates to some 67% of households in need, which is clearly a reflection of the current economic circumstances.

A new approach to assessing need is now being implemented resulting from regulations which came into effect after the current assessment was concluded. In time, this will provide a more consistent, objective and timely system for the assessment of need. This new system includes a standardised set of eligibility criteria designed to bring greater equity and transparency to the assessment process. While these new regulations are now in force it will be some time before data on housing need are accumulated under the new system of assessment. I will keep the new system under review and I will make any further adjustments required in light of experience to ensure it delivers a timely and robust assessment of need on an ongoing basis. In that regard, I have already increased the eligibility criteria in respect of income by €5,000 in each case. While this will have the effect of further increasing demand for social housing, it is beneficial in providing for a broader based and more sustainable approach to identifying and addressing social housing need.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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With the indulgence of the Ceann Comhairle, the Minister of State will leave the Chamber when the reply concludes.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Minister of State may leave now if he wishes.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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I will respond to Deputy Stanley first.

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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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?

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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We are trying to introduce objective and standardised criteria. It should not be necessary to produce a consultant's report, given that it may take a long period to obtain such a report, thus prolonging the process and creating further trauma for applicants. There may also be a financial outlay required of the applicant who may not have the wherewithal to meet the cost. An ordinary general practitioner's report or, in specific circumstances, an occupational therapist's report or a combination thereof should be sufficient in the vast bulk of cases related to social housing.

I will examine the provision of having a local connection for five years, which is an extremely long period, given that, in many cases, applicants have returned to an area they left, through no fault of their own, to secure employment.

I am less sympathetic on the issue of the Private Residential Tenancies Board number. We all share the same objective in this regard and the sooner we amend the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 the better. If we transfer responsibility for rent supplement to local authorities, it will be critical that we ensure landlords do not receive rent supplement unless they are registered. Last year the PRTB found that a substantial number of landlords were not registered. We must address this issue. If landlords are tax compliant, we will have an opportunity to obtain perhaps 20% or 25% of the outlay of the rent supplement scheme, which costs approximately €500 million per annum. We must start to get some of this money back and get better value for it.

It is my intention to issue circulars to ensure standardised criteria apply. These should not be excessively onerous on those who seek to secure a place on the housing list. As the Deputy will be aware, the number on the housing list was found to be more than 100,000 on 1 March. However, the figure is a moveable feast and I have no doubt it has increased significantly in the meantime. We are obliged to ascertain the number on the housing list every three years. I intend to do so more frequently to ensure the figures are up to date. If we were to calculate the number on the housing list tomorrow, I have no doubt the figure would have increased to 115,000. I also live in the real world. I will address in a constructive manner the issues raised by the Deputy.