Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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324. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government in view of the inadequate income eligibility limits for social housing in Cavan and Monaghan, if he will have these income limits increased without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23488/26]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The baseline income thresholds increased 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.

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.

I am not in a position at this point to indicate the outcome of these considerations but I envisage that the analysis will be concluded early in 2026 to facilitate a final determination on next steps.