Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
379. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if in the instance of a social housing assistance income assessment being undertaken and that the decision is disputed by applicant after appeal with the local authority, the applicant has any recourse by way of appeal to his Department or other sources. [2936/26]
View answerDecisions on eligibility for social housing support are a matter solely for local authorities with reference to eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
Currently, there is no statutory provision for the appeal of decisions taken concerning social housing assessments. Local authorities have long established internal complaints and decision review systems, which may be used to appeal cases. Such arrangements are a matter for the local authority concerned. If a household considers they have been unfairly treated or are not satisfied with the decision at that stage of the appeal, they could contact the Office of the Ombudsman. By law the Ombudsman can investigate complaints about any of the Local Authorities administrative actions or procedures.
I recently secured Government approval to prepare legislation to introduce a statutory appeals process for decisions relating to assessments for social housing. These provisions will be included in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill that is currently at the final stages of drafting. I intend to bring it to Government for approval to publish in the coming weeks.
