718. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his current plans to legislate a clear pathway for those individuals who have finished rehabilitation to gain access to housing. [65041/26]

It is open to anyone to apply for social housing support at any stage, subject to meeting the eligibility and need criteria at the point at which they apply.

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. It is the responsibility of the local authority, while taking a compassionate approach, to make a decision in each individual case with regard to qualification for social housing support, the most appropriate form of any such support, and the allocation of that support.