Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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685. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of social housing applications currently under appeal in Westmeath County Council. [48729/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Decisions on eligibility for social housing support are a matter solely for local authorities with reference to 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.

That said, I understand local authorities have internal complaints and appeals systems which may be used to appeal cases. Such arrangements are a matter for the local authorities concerned. Therefore, my Department does not have the information requested.

In January 2024, Government approved the priority legal drafting of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which amends the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 by making provision for residency and habitual residency as an eligibility criteria for social housing support. Government has recently approved my proposal for the development of further amendments to provide for a statutory appeals process for decisions relating to assessments for social housing. I intend to bring further details of the specific proposed legislative provisions to Government in the coming weeks for inclusion in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill that is scheduled for publication shortly.