Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the full extent of local authority housing applicants currently on waiting lists for rehousing; the extent to which it is planned to provide houses for persons thereby eliminating the need for rent support which in turn prevents such applicants from obtaining employment which would result in loss of rent support; his plans to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15863/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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My Department does not hold information on the number of households on local authorities waiting lists. This figure continuously fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support.

A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities. The last assessment took place in 2008 and indicated that there were 56,249 households in need of social housing support. This assessment also provides information on the waiting period for households seeking social housing support. Detailed information on this assessment, including a breakdown by housing authority, is available on my Department's website – www.environ.ie . Local authorities are currently finalising the 2011 statutory housing needs assessment, the results of which will be published in due course.

I am currently finalising a review of housing policy generally to examine how best the needs of those on housing waiting lists can be met in the context of the further development of sustainable communities, while taking account of new housing options and the level of funding and resources available. I have now published the outcome of this review as a new housing policy framework statement.