Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 673: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure that the various differential rent schemes as operated by the local authorities are in compliance with the requirement in section 3 of circular HRT 3/2002. [9290/05]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 674: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that all local authority rent schemes are in compliance with the requirement in section 3 of circular HRT 3/2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9291/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 673 and 674 together.

As an integral part of their housing management functions, local authorities are responsible for the administration of their differential rents schemes. They have full discretion in doing so, in accordance with the devolved powers given to them in circular HRT 6/86 as restated and updated by circular HRT 3/2002. From time to time, however, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has drawn the attention of authorities and city and county managers, as appropriate, to issues of general application relating to many aspects of housing management, including rents of local authority dwellings. If the terms of a rent scheme do not appear to comply with the principles outlined and supporting evidence is presented, the Department will be prepared to make inquiries to establish whether the scheme needs revision.