1732. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide the list of household income thresholds for people to be included on the social housing list; to outline the role of the Department and the individual local authorities in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60582/26]

1752. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify the income limit thresholds to qualify for housing assistance; the last time such were increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61160/26]

1948. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on his Departments review of the social housing income eligibility thresholds. [63737/26]

1959. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to urgently increase the income limits for social housing in Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63881/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1732, 1752, 1948 and 1959 together.

Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.

The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. Local authorities 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. Local authorities have no discretion to exceed the limits applying to their administrative areas.

A table setting out the details of the three bands and the limits currently applicable in each local authority area is available on my Department's website on the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/04c69-social-housing-support-table-of-income-limits/.

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.

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.