Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
404. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will announce the anticipated rise in income limits before the Dáil rises for the summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53096/26]
View answer434. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to increase the qualifying threshold for social housing to allow low income workers qualify for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53597/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 434 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. These thresholds are net income thresholds, i.e. gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. Income is defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards and local authorities also have discretion to disregard income that is once-off, temporary or short-term in nature and which is outside the regular pattern of a person’s annual income.
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 expect that the analysis will be concluded shortly to facilitate a final determination on next steps. I am also keen to put in place a more structured and frequent process for the review of these limits going forward.
