Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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16. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the income eligibility limits for social housing in Cavan and Monaghan will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53740/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Housing for All included a commitment to review income eligibility for social housing. From this review, completed in November 2021, it was recommended moving five local authorities from Band 3 to Band 2, ensuring the income eligibility thresholds better reflect housing costs in those counties.

Government also agreed to increase the baseline income thresholds by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds thus increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for Bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively. These thresholds are net income thresholds, i.e. gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. This €5,000 increase broadened the eligibility base, increasing the number of households eligible for support and lessening the impact on disadvantaged and vulnerable households of the significant increase in the cost of accommodation and cost of living generally in recent years. Cavan and Monaghan are both in Band 3.

My focus and that of Government is increasing housing supply and providing an increasing range of options and supports available to people who need access to low cost and affordable rental and purchase options. This is demonstrated by the record level of investment provided for the delivery of housing by this Government.

My Department has been examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and household income conditions, including the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced. This includes examining the findings of research commissioned by my Department and this work is ongoing.