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

Social housing income thresholds

Summary

Richard Boyd Barrett asks the Government to raise social-housing income limits so working people are not removed from waiting lists after modest income increases; the Taoiseach says the issue is under active consideration.

Every week, month and year, working people who have been waiting on social housing lists for years are being thrown off those lists because they get a pay rise or an increment or, as was the case for one civil servant I spoke to this week, are awarded family income supplement. They lose their years on the housing waiting list as a result. They do not have enough income for cost rental. They cannot afford affordable housing or to bid on the open market. When will the Government, as I have asked repeatedly, raise the social housing income thresholds in order that working people in this situation will have some chance of being housed?

Comment on this

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I have spoken to the Minister for housing about this matter, which is under active consideration in the context of raising the income thresholds. It was raised a number of years ago, but the Minister is examining it. I hope to be back to the Deputy before long.

Comment on this