Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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56. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his views on the provision of allocated housing for those that work in frontline 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. [65275/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Affordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030. The plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes available for those who wish to purchase and rent including those who may be categorised as frontline workers.

Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to support housing supply, which will underpin, inter alia, the new Starter Homes Programme, delivering an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030.

The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 included new provisions related to the Cost Rental sector aimed at improving access for certain cohorts. In July, under the provisions of this Act, I made the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Cost Rental Allocation Plan) Regulations 2025. These Regulations allow Cost Rental landlords to employ Allocation Plans which may prioritise homes for those with a link to an area through residence, employment, or children’s education. This will support people to live and work in their local area.