Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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213. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the assistance he will provide to a group (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18356/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 enables housing authorities to provide assistance to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the provision of housing. Section 6 (6) of the Act empowers me, as Minister, to grant approved status for this purpose.

AHBs are independent, not-for-profit organisations. They provide affordable rented housing for people who cannot afford to pay private sector rents or buy their own homes; or for particular groups, such as older people or homeless people.

AHBs also include housing co-operatives, which are housing organisations controlled by their members/tenants who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.

Applications for approved status will be considered from the following: Limited Companies formed by guarantee of their members and not having a shareholding, registered under the Companies Act 2014; Societies registered under the Industrial & Provident Societies Acts 1893-2014; Trusts incorporated under the Charities Acts. A body seeking to obtain, and to retain, approved status, must have as its goal the relief of housing needs, to assist with cases of poverty or hardship, including the welfare of Travellers, and the delivery and management of housing. It must have in its Memorandum and Articles of Association or registered rules, provisions preventing the distribution of any surplus, profit, bonus or dividend to its members and must ensure that its assets are applied solely towards its objects.

Further information on becoming an AHB can be found on my Department’s website at: .