Written answers

Wednesday, 30 January 2008

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Social and Affordable Housing

8:00 pm

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 1385: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria under which certain homeless persons who have been less than 18 months on rent supplement, and who have a long-term housing need, are eligible for consideration under the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2183/08]

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 1386: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the parameters of the discretion available to local authorities in admitting tenants to the rental accommodation scheme who are less than 18 months on rent supplement and who have been assessed as having a long-term housing need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2184/08]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1385 and 1386 together.

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) mainly provides for the accommodation needs of Rent Supplement recipients of 18 months duration who are assessed as having a long-term housing need. However local authorities have discretion in utilising RAS in cases, including certain homeless cases, of persons who are less than eighteen months on Rent Supplement and who are assessed as having a long-term housing need.

While the accommodation needs of homeless persons are mainly met by a range of tailored services, RAS may be used by local authorities to accommodate homeless persons. Authorities determine suitability for RAS on a case-by-case basis having regard to long-term housing need and suitability for independent living. Tenancy sustainment support is provided in many cases for persons undertaking the transition from homelessness to independent living in rented accommodation.

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 1389: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a system of standard construction costs has or will be established and introduced to help streamline the negotiation of Part V agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2192/08]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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A wide range of guidance and training has been provided by my Department and the Affordable Homes Partnership to support the streamlined and efficient implementation of Part V. I do not consider that a nationwide system of standard construction costs in relation to Part V would be practical given that costs vary considerably from project to project based on design, house size, site location and characteristics, local labour costs etc. However, in the context of monitoring the implementation of Part V, I will keep under review the possible scope for piloting a standardised costs approach in a particular region and the utility that any such arrangement might provide.

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 1390: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, where a local authority social housing scheme is below cost limits and where a housing association can demonstrate a capacity to carry out a housing development programme professionally and within costs, there is still a requirement for prior approval from his Department before entering a contract to build out a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2193/08]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of accommodation by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies is an integral part of my Department's overall response to delivering on social housing need. Funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available to approved housing bodies for the provision of permanent accommodation for low-income families and for persons with special housing needs, including the elderly, the homeless and people with an intellectual or physical disability.

In accordance with the terms and conditions governing the approval of projects funded under my Department's Capital Funding Schemes and the requirement to implement robust financial management and control procedures, local authorities are required to obtain prior approval from my Department before proceeding with the construction or acquisition of houses by approved bodies.

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