Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
92. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current income limits that apply for social housing applicants in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if he acknowledges that the current limits deny many who cannot source a mortgage or affordable home any route to a secure home; whether he will amend those limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47949/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe baseline social housing income thresholds are €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for Bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Cavan and Monaghan are in Band 3 which is €30,000.
These thresholds are net income 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.
There were 567 households on the Cavan County Council waiting list on the date of the last SSHA in November 2025 up from 557 in 2024 and 381 households on the Monaghan County Council housing waiting list, up 330 on the 2024 Summary.
As I set out in response to the earlier Question from Deputy O’ Broin, 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.
I envisage 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.
Affordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of Government’s housing policy, as embodied within Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent.
