Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 425 of 18 December 2012, if this policy is in operation nationally. [1205/13]

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 425 of 18 December 2012, the reason maintenance paid out by a person seeking social housing is not taken into consideration when assessing that persons means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1382/13]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 660 and 669 together.

In assessing a household for social housing support, the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 set out maximum income thresholds which all housing authorities must adhere to in determining eligibility. In accordance with the Household Means Policy issued under Regulation 17 of the Regulations, the income threshold is net of income tax, Universal Social Charge, Pension-Related Deduction within the meaning of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009, and PRSI. There is no provision in the policy to deduct any other regular outgoings, such as maintenance paid in respect of family members, from gross household income for the purposes of the income threshold.

I am at present reviewing the operation of the Social Housing Assessment Regulations and associated Household Means Policy including the calculation of net household income in the context of eligibility for social housing support.