Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
625. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 513 of 6 May 2026, if supports are available to a person who has already received approval for social housing but has been issued with a social housing income assessment and has literacy vulnerabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37596/26]
View answerApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the 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.
Regulations 27 to 29 of the 2011 Regulations provide for a review of social housing assessments. A review involves a fresh determination of whether a household continues to qualify for social housing support. A housing authority may undertake such a review where it becomes aware of changes in household circumstances or other relevant information, or where it considers it appropriate to do so. In addition, where a housing authority is considering the provision, or facilitation, of social housing support to a qualified household, it is required to review the assessment. In addition, the Department undertakes periodic statutory summaries of social housing assessments, the aim of which is to capture the total number of households nationally which continue to qualify for social housing support and whose housing need is not being met. As part of this assessment, all local authorities write to relevant households informing them of the assessment process and seeking updated information where necessary.
Local authority staff are available to assist applicants and qualified households who may have difficulty in engaging with the process, including those with literacy vulnerabilities. As with the initial application process, this assistance can include support in understanding and completing a review of social housing assessment. The day-to-day operation of the social housing system is a matter solely for each local authority including any assistance provided in this regard.
