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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Central housing grants advice

Summary

Deputy Higgins called for a one-stop shop to help people navigate the many housing grants and schemes. The Minister said the suggestion had merit and that he would raise it with the Housing Minister, noting Citizens Information may already collate the information.

All of us here get tonnes of housing queries to our offices. The Government has introduced some fantastic housing grants and schemes to help people, but it is often very hard for people to navigate all of the schemes. My office always does its best to advise them, but there is a need for a centralised one-stop shop to help and signpost them to the best housing grants that apply to them, whether it is the help-to-buy scheme, the first home shared equity scheme, cost rental, affordable purchase, the local authority home loan or vacant or derelict refurbishment grants. The SEAI offers brilliant grants when it comes to retrofitting and energy grants, and also provides an information service to advise people interested in applying for the grant. Would the Government consider establishing a housing information office to provide practical help, advice and assistance? It would have the dual impact of helping more people get an opportunity to own their own home and if officials could guide people through the process, that would simplify the processes even further.

Comment on this

I thank Deputy Higgins. She is right to point to the myriad different schemes, supports and incentives now in place. It can sometimes be difficult for individuals to navigate their way through the system, even in terms of getting information, and then understanding and applying it. Sometimes, they have to look at different websites and so on. The Deputy's suggestion has some merit. We will raise with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, whether there is a need for one central point. I would imagine that the Citizens Information service website probably collates the information and presents it in a way that is accessible. What the Deputy has said has merit and will be considered.

Comment on this