Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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35. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his views on the provision of allocated housing for those that work in front-line public sector jobs including teachers, nurses and members of An Garda Síochána; if this is under review within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52741/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society. The Government's current housing plan, Housing for All, contains a suite of actions that have increased, and will continue to increase, the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes.

The 2025 Programme for Government includes a commitment to target Cost Rental homes at key local workers. To this end, my Department is working to implement certain changes which were made to Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 late last year via the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024. The changes included new provisions related to the Cost Rental sector which are likely to improve access for certain cohorts.

On 2 July this year, under the provisions of this Act, I made the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Cost Rental Allocation Plan) Regulations 2025. These Regulations allow for Cost Rental landlords to employ Allocation Plans which may prioritise particular homes for those with a link to an area though residence, employment, or children’s education. This will support people to live and work in their local area.

My Department continues to explore all options to improve access to Cost Rental.