Housing Policy

Thursday, 5 March 2026

Questions (194, 199, 218, 247, 252)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

194. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review social housing income thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17575/26]

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Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

199. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he intends to raise the income limits for social housing eligibility. [17821/26]

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Brendan Smith

Question:

218. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review on income eligibility limits for social housing, specifically 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. [17476/26]

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Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

247. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider increasing the income threshold for applicants for social housing, accounting for the rise in monthly rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17571/26]

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Willie O'Dea

Question:

252. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review the qualifying criteria for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17480/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194, 199, 218, 247 and 252 together.

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. Cavan and Monaghan are both in Band 3. 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, which I expect will include an increase in the income limits. I am also keen to put in place a more structured and frequent process for the review of these limits going forward.