Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The list suggested by the Senator is drawn from the 1988 Act which, in light of changing housing needs, has proved to be limited in terms of providing an accurate picture of both the nature of housing need and the relative priorities. Indeed, people may have multiple needs which are not adequately captured by the current statutory definitions. The proposed revised classification based on the FEANSTA approach provides for a more developed approach, reflecting the urgency and persistence of different types of needs. This will provide the basis for the development through regulation of a better measure of need in the future. The Senators will know that we are changing from what was in the 1988 Act, and section 20 reflects that. It allows for a broad approach to appropriate need.