1667. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to update the income threshold for social housing, particularly in the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District of County Wexford where home prices are significantly higher than the county average. [56225/26]

1853. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends carrying out a review of the social housing income thresholds for counties in Band 1; if any changes are expected to be made to the existing income thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58800/26]

1913. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position regarding the review into social housing income limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59270/26]

1918. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the HAP limits which currently mean that if someone earns just below the limit to qualify, they are the on too low an income to be able to afford any private rental property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59382/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1667, 1853, 1913 and 1918 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.