Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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311. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on the strategic review of the approved housing body sector. [53703/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Approved Housing Body Strategic Forum (AHBSF), established in December 2023, undertook a comprehensive review of the AHB sector throughout 2024, in line with commitments under Housing for All. The Forum was mandated to consult key stakeholders in order to develop a vision for the evolution of the sector over a 10yr+ time horizon, and to identify the principals and reforms that would enable the realisation of this vision.

The AHBSF concluded its structured engagements and analysis at the end of 2024, which included a series of national workshops involving over 150 participants, broad stakeholder consultations (with 32 formal submissions), and targeted research into not-for-profit housing association models in four peer European jurisdictions. The work also drew on the work and recommendations of the Housing Commission relevant to the AHB Sector.

My Department has provided me with a detailed report of the Forum's work and findings.

I am considering the findings and recommendations in the context of the finalisation of the successor plan to Housing For All. This important report builds on the the continued support from the State for the AHB sector as an vital delivery partner and provides a roadmap that would guide the sector’s evolution and continued contribution over the decade ahead.

It is expected that this report will be published in the coming weeks, following the publication of the updated National Housing Plan.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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312. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on when the scheduled five-year review of the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority will commence. [53704/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As provided for in Section 4 of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) 2019 (the Act), a review of the effectiveness and operation of the Act shall take place not later than 6 months after a period of 5 years from the establishment of the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA).

AHBRA was established in February 2021, my Department is currently considering the legislation in consultation with AHBRA and intend to have a legislative review prepared in Q1 2026 for my consideration. On review of the draft report, it is intended that wider stakeholders will be consulted before finalising the review within the required timelines in 2026. When finalised, the review will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas as provided for in the the Act.