Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is necessary for those applying for local authority housing to supply leases for all rented addresses over the past five years. [37561/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, which came into force on 1 April 2011, include a standard prescribed application form to be completed by all households seeking social housing support. To ensure that a housing authority is in a position to consider a household's application properly and fairly, this form must be completed fully and all relevant supporting documentation supplied. Failure to provide full information could result in an inaccurate assessment of the household's application, including an unwarranted negative decision regarding qualification.

The form seeks details of applicants current accommodation, and, if in private rented accommodation, details of current rent, name of landlord or agent and other details. It also seeks details of applicants' previous accommodation over the last 5 years, including addresses, dates at the addresses and reasons for leaving.

Supporting documentation is required to verify all information given as part of the application, but the nature of the supporting documentation required is not specified in the Regulations, and there is no specific provision requiring copies of leases for the last 5 years. It is a matter left within the discretion of the housing authority, and the information required may vary depending on the circumstances of the applicant.

Question No. 15 answered with Question No. 6.

Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 10.