Written answers

Thursday, 21 April 2011

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Voluntary Housing Associations

5:00 pm

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide confirmation on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9010/11]

Photo of Willie PenroseWillie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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An application from Comhrochtain Voluntary Housing Association seeking approved status in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, has recently been received in my Department. The application is being considered at present.

Approved housing bodies may apply, through the local authorities, for funding under my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme to acquire or construct accommodation for persons with specific categories of housing needs, including older persons and persons with a physical, intellectual or mental health disability. It is a matter for individual local authorities to determine the eligibility of proposals for funding approval, having regard to the merit of such proposals and the extent to which they meet local housing need, etc.

Approved housing bodies may also purchase properties or enter into long-term lease arrangements with property owners with the objective of making such properties available for social renting in accordance with the terms of my Department's social housing leasing initiative. In the case of approved long-term leasing proposals, approved housing bodies are paid an agreed sum, by way of an availability payment, to meet the cost incurred in acquiring the property and in managing and maintaining the property.

My Department regularly meets with potential investors who wish to become involved in the social housing market. These meetings are largely focussed on providing information on the social housing leasing initiative and related issues and do not involve an endorsement of any individual or organisation. So far, my Department has not approved any leasing proposal involving the organisation in question.

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