Housing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Questions (844)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

844. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can provide an update on a proposal submitted to his Department relating to an amendment to the nursing home support scheme (details supplied) that would enable fair deal service users to make their vacant home temporarily available to an approved housing body for use as short-term or transitional homeless housing; whether this could provide more targeted relief and suitable accommodation for homeless families than existing measures which allow fair deal service users to rent out their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17884/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

My Department has received proposals related to potential amendments to the nursing home support scheme. These proposals are to enable fair deal service users to make their vacant home temporarily available to an approved housing bodies for use as short-term or transitional homeless housing.

My Department has engaged with Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector representatives to discuss a range of potential proposals, including the proposals on reform of the fair deal scheme, as a possible means to develop and enhance the AHB sector.

As you are no doubt aware, AHBs (also called housing associations or voluntary housing associations) are independent, not-for-profit organisations. They provide affordable rented housing for people who cannot afford to pay private sector rents or buy their own homes; or for particular groups, such as older people or homeless people.

The proposals submitted to my Department are complex as they cut across a wide range of social housing and healthcare policy issues and require extensive analysis and collaboration.

Further engagement with the AHB sector and other key stakeholders are expected to take place in the coming weeks to assess the feasibility of proposals and to inform a pathway for dealing with the issues involved.