Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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99. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his Department has an evaluation system to invigilate on the performance of local authorities in regard to maintenance and refurbishment of their social housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14597/17]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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100. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will establish an evaluation and invigilation system to monitor the performance of local authorities and voluntary housing bodies in relation to estate management of their social housing stock. [14598/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.

The efficient management of social housing stock is vital to ensure that we achieve optimum occupancy while the construction of new build continues to accelerate.

The Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan sets out measures to improve the management of Local Authority housing stock, including the adoption of a common national re-letting performance standard across all local authorities; a preventative maintenance approach to housing stock management; a greater focus on tenant’s roles and responsibilities as well as funding mechanisms to incentivise swift turn-around, consistent standards and pro-active approaches.

The National Oversight & Audit Commission (NOAC) is an independent statutory body established under the 2014 Local Government Reform Act to provide oversight of the local government sector. At present NOAC is finalising a review of local authorities' management and maintenance of their housing stock.

Regarding Approved Housing Bodies (AHB's), as part of the Payment and Availability (P&A) Agreements entered into by AHBs under the social housing leasing programme, AHBs agree:

- to be responsible for the upkeep, management and maintenance of the dwelling the subject of the agreement, and

- to comply at all times during the term of the agreement with the provisions and requirements of the Planning Acts and of the Building Regulations.

Housing authorities are responsible for monitoring compliance with the terms and conditions governing P&A agreements, including ensuring that the dwellings are in a lettable condition and are in compliance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008. Provision has been made for an administrative fee to be paid in respect of this regulatory role being undertaken by housing authorities. This annual fee equates to 1% of the yearly leasing cost and is paid by my Department at the commencement of the leasing arrangements.