Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 766: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is undertaking to redress the predicament whereby single persons, in particular single men, find it virtually impossible to secure social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27634/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 770: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to address the housing waiting lists with particular reference to the families on local authority lists and a further number who are disqualified from such lists on income grounds but do not qualify for an adequate mortgage from financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27638/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 776: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to address the issue of the long waiting lists for local authority houses; if he has issued directions to the local authorities with a view to tackling this housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27644/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 766, 770 and 776 together.

Single persons who are unable to provide housing for themselves from their own resources are entitled to apply for social housing which is provided by either a local authority or a voluntary housing body. While it is a matter for individual local authorities to decide on the allocation of houses to single persons and other categories on their waiting lists in accordance with their Schemes of Letting Priorities, my Department continues to advise local authorities of the need to provide a reasonable mix of dwellings suited to the different kinds of households already on waiting lists and to plan their future programmes taking account of the estimated size and type of households likely to be seeking housing in the future.

In December 2005, the Government launched a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over the coming years. Substantial increased investment in social and affordable housing is outlined in the framework amounting to close to €4 billion in Exchequer capital spending over the period 2006 to 2008. The Government have committed in the draft social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, to further additional investment in social housing with 27,000 new units to be started or acquired over the period 2007 to 2009. It is envisaged that these new units will be delivered through a combination of local authority social housing, voluntary and co-operative sector social housing programme and long-term contracts for new supply under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.

Further households will benefit from the full implementation of the Rental Accommodation Scheme involving contractual arrangements with landlords for existing properties transferring from rent supplement. Over the same period it is expected that some 17,000 units of affordable housing will be delivered.

As a result of the various social and affordable housing measures the needs of some 60,000 new households will be met over the period 2007-2009. The housing policy framework also proposes a package of reforms to improve equity, efficiency and effectiveness. The focus is on improving community participation, improving services to ensure personal choice, autonomy and responsibility. The overall impact of these measures will impact positively on waiting lists for social and affordable housing.

The affordable and shared ownership schemes benefit low income house purchasers and those households having difficulties securing loans from financial institutions. Last year some 2,700 transactions were completed under these initiatives and it is anticipated that increased output levels will be achieved in 2006.