Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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1773. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of persons seeking housing in cities that are willing to move to rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1409/18]

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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1774. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to introduce an upfront payment to vacant rural houses that councils could put in place a five year agreement if persons are willing to move to those areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1410/18]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1821. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans for a rural resettlement scheme in 2018; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1701/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1773, 1774 and 1821 together.

The Government's Action Plan for Rural Development: Realising our Potential has a clear objective of working across Government Departments to deliver a co-ordinated group of strategies to ensure the success of vibrant rural communities across Ireland.

My Department works closely with the Department of Rural and Community Development on rural housing issues. In relation to social housing, it is possible already for people to move between local authorities under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme. My Department is also currently examining additional ways to facilitate households, who are qualified for social housing, and who may wish to relocate to rural areas.