Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 470: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a review has been undertaken regarding housing issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10698/12]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Since the Rental Accommodation Scheme began in late 2005, some 37,757 households have transferred from rent supplement into RAS or other social housing options. Of these 21,892 were housed directly under RAS.

Each local authority is responsible for the effective and efficient management of the scheme within its own area, including the management of vacancies that arise. Notwithstanding this where a vacancy does arise local authorities have three months to fill that vacancy before my Department discontinues recoupment in respect of that accommodation.

Housing authorities are very conscious of the need to attain value for money, and particularly so in the current economic climate. Value for money in relation to RAS can be viewed in a number of ways and can reflect both direct and indirect financial costs and benefits. Negotiating rent reviews and discounts along with the efficient management of RAS properties are some of the means my Department has advised authorities to utilise to attain good value and ensure the appropriate use of public funds. A value for money and policy review study of RAS is currently under way and will be finalised shortly.