Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
431. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 516 of 25 November 2025, if being priced out of private rental options as inflation rises will in future reverse sufficiently to place persons back within reach of their income threshold (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70921/25]
View answerThe oversight and practical management of housing waiting lists, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations. Decisions on the qualification of households for social housing support, the most appropriate form of such support that meets the households need, and the allocation of that support are a matter for the local authority concerned.
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. 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.
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.
