Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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408. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will arrange for his Department to request all local authorities to carry out an audit of their housing stock in respect of all three, four and five bedroomed properties which are occupied by one person only; if a more progressive plan will be put in place to facilitate those who wish to downsize to smaller houses or apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12370/23]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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409. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the details of all properties currently being managed by local authorities which are three, four and five bedroomed but which are occupied by one person only, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12371/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 409 together.

The management of local authority housing stock and social housing waiting lists, including the allocation of tenancies, are matters solely for local authorities in accordance with the Housing Acts and associated Regulations.

That said, local authorities always strive to maximise the use of housing stock and prevent under-occupancy of dwellings. A local authority's statutory allocation scheme seeks to ensure households are offered properties appropriate to their housing need at the time of allocation and avoid under-occupancy from the outset. Local authorities also seek to actively manage allocated dwellings, including in respect of households that were initially allocated properties that met their housing need at the time but who may now be residing in a property under-occupied or too big for their needs.

Most local authorities will also consider housing transfers on the grounds of under-occupation or downsizing, provided certain criteria are met. Such transfers typically depend on smaller, more suitable accommodation being available. Ultimately, it is a matter for the local authority to decide the conditions to be met in relation to transfer applications.

Housing for All commits to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence. This includes developing a national policy on rightsizing, which is currently being progressed by my Department.