Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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121. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will report on the progress of the examination by all Departments of their existing portfolio of properties; if properties have been placed on the market to date; the number of those properties that have been deemed suitable for conversion to residential accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3282/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Maximising the use of our existing housing stock, especially in our towns and cities, is a critical element of any sustainable housing policy and Pathway 4 of Housing for All, “Addressing Vacancy and Efficient Use of Existing Stock”, is central to the overall Plan.

The State, its Departments and Agencies are the owners of large amounts of property. It has already been agreed that State entities that own vacant or underutilised land, which may be suitable for housing, will offer that land to the Land Development Agency. A number of Departments have already engaged with my Department and the LDA in this regard.

Under Housing for All, Government has mandated that all Departments will examine their existing portfolio of properties and, subject to any obligations under the Public Spending Code, the LDA Act 2021 or the State Property Act 1954, will place them on the market if they are not required and may be suitable for residential housing. This will allow for more efficient use of those buildings and provide opportunities for suitable buildings to be converted into homes.

It is in this context, my Department has asked all Departments to review their respective portfolios of properties and assess which, if any, may be suitable for housing. Departments have been requested to submit their findings by the end of January, so that progress can be made on this important initiative. When this initial exercise is complete, my Department will assist in any way possible to ensure the prompt release of any properties identified as not required and suitable housing.

Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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123. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason time spent on a local authority social housing list is completely lost when income temporarily exceeds the threshold meaning an applicant must start from the very beginning again when their income returns below the threshold; if he will consider measures to retain time spent on the local authority housing list in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2763/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Social housing is a long-term support intended to support households that have continuing, long-term difficulty meeting their own accommodation needs. This is reflected in the underpinning legislation and the Household Means Policywhich provides for applicants’ eligibility to be assessed on their net average income over the previous 12 months from the date of their application.

This is a fairer measurement of long-term need than heretofore. It allows for a more comprehensive picture of a household’s current and previous income at the time of assessment and ensures supports are prioritised for those who need them most.

That said, while local authorities have no discretion regarding the 12-month income requirement, they may disregard certain incomes and income that is temporary, short-term or once-off. This should ensure applicants are not removed from the waiting list only to become eligible again shortly thereafter when such temporary, short-term or once-off income ceases.