Review of the allocation of local authority homes needed - TD

Local Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called for a review of the allocation of local authority homes.

Deputy Troy said the introduction of a points-based system would make the process more equitable.

“We need to examine the process for the allocation of local authority homes across the country,” Deputy Troy said. "A points-based system would be much fairer. Points could be introduced for working, illness, length of time on list and previous track record in a private rental. It's important that people in both full-time and part-time employment are rewarded with additional points."

He added: “I’ve called on Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien to review the system and I’ve also asked Westmeath County Council’s housing strategy policy committee to consider the proposal.”

Minister O’Brien, in response to a parliamentary question from Deputy Troy, said the allocation of local authority dwellings, including the prioritisation of certain categories of households, is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with their allocation scheme made under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations.

“This legislation requires all local authorities, as a reserved function of Elected Members, to make an allocation scheme which specifies, among other things, the manner of, and the order of priority for, the allocation of dwellings to households on the housing and transfer lists,” he said.

“Decisions on the allocation of social housing support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.”