Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith has welcomed a response from Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien that a review of income eligibility limits for social housing has been concluded and the Minister is now considering its findings with a decision due shortly on any proposed changes and recommendations.

Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “I have called for the income eligibility limits for local authority housing in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan to be increased without further delay.

“At present the income limits are totally unrealistic and many people who do not have an income high enough to obtain a mortgage through a financial institution are still above the income limit for Council housing. Those people are in a very difficult position in relation to housing. The Minister has replied to me that a decision on proposed changes will be made shortly”.

The Minister for Housing, in reply to the Cavan and Monaghan TD’s Parliamentary Question in Dáil Éireann, stated: “Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland was published in September 2021 and, as part of a broad suite of social housing reforms, committed to reviewing income eligibility for social housing.

“The review, which examined, inter alia, the efficiency of the current banding model and income limits applicable to local authorities, has been completed. I am currently considering its findings and expect to decide on proposed changes and recommendations shortly.”