Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

275. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will issue guidance to local authorities on the processing times for medical priority applications for social housing, which are currently taking upwards of 12 months in some local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22752/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.

Regulation 12 of the 2011 Regulations prescribes the timescales for the processing of applications by local authorities and provides that, subject to conditions, a local authority shall deal with an application within a period of 12 weeks. Different timescales may apply where the local authority requires additional information from the applicant. Local authorities will prioritise housing needs assessments for those in greatest need and ensure that such applications are dealt with within time-frames that are significantly shorter that the statutory maximum.

A revised Social Housing Support Application Form was introduced with effect from 19 April 2021. The form includes an additional form which an applicant who wants to apply for assessment for priority support based on medical need or disability must complete (HMD-Form 1). The form is for anyone applying for social housing or a social housing transfer due to a disability or medical grounds. The purpose of the HMD1 form is to obtain sufficient information to allow the local authority to assess the nature of the applicant’s circumstances and determine the most suitable housing solution for them. The assessment of applications for social housing support, including determining medical priority, is a matter for individual local authorities.