John Cummins
Waterford · Fine Gael · Ireland
“To ensure a structured and comprehensive examination of the issues, the task force was organised under four work themes: structures, funding, functions and governance and accountability within the local government sector.”
“At the outset, I thank Senator Fitzpatrick for raising this important issue this morning. I am acutely aware of the strong interest that exists within this House in matters relating to local government.”
“Engagement took place with a wide range of organisations and representative bodies, including employer and employee representatives, community and voluntary organisations, academic experts and other key stakeholders.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2026, Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.”
“In that context, I welcome the opportunity to address the House and to provide an update on the progress made today in advancing that recommendation and strengthening local democracy more generally.”
“The task force was charged with delivering its report within the challenging timeframe of six to nine months. However, considerable preparatory work already completed across the sector provided a strong foundation and enabled that timeline to be achieved. The task force, as the Senator rightly pointed out, was chaired by Mr.”
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“I thank Deputy O'Connell and I also thank Deputy Currie for her work on this. The programme for Government sets out a number of priorities for Government on access to early learning and childcare services, including a commitment to review the 2001 childcare facilities guidelines for planning authorities to ensure childcare spaces are provided and put to use. Further to the commencement of Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 in October 2025, provisions for national planning statements have been introduced to replace the provisions for ministerial guidelines issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The timing of the issuing of national planning statements is based on Government priorities.”
“Where it is not working, I do not think it is as a result of deficiencies, but as a result of a lack of focus and co-ordinated effort by some local authorities in this space.”
“I am glad the Deputy mentioned Scotland because it is referenced in the report that has been done. As the Deputy knows, it has not been introduced in that jurisdiction. It is very difficult to get data on the effectiveness of this, although it has been examined. Where local authorities are using the Derelict Sites Act to put derelict properties on the register, they have been successful in using their CPO powers. Other local authorities that have not been proactive in this space or have not put notices on properties seem to use the excuse, in my view, that there is an issue with CPO in this country. If that were the case, Limerick would not be able to CPO the number of properties that it has, nor my local authority or some of the other good, notable examples around the country. Where it is working, it is working well.”
“The focus will remain on the derelict property tax and the use of CPO powers as the stick for individuals and property owners who have not availed of the many measures put in place by the Government.”
“As the Deputy knows, all local authorities in the country are independently operated. It is their responsibility, and their responsibility alone, to ensure they collect outstanding levies, particularly the derelict sites levies. They are charges on properties, so it often takes time for a property to be disposed of and for the levy to come in. However, it is absolutely their responsibility. We are committed to ensuring that we have the derelict property tax, which will be collected by Revenue, in place as early as possible. Regarding the compulsory sale order, which the Deputy referenced in his initial contribution, the Department, in conjunction with the Housing Agency, has examined this matter in other jurisdictions. On the basis of that evaluation, it is not intended to progress that measure.”
“This includes using their compulsory purchase powers under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and the Housing Act 1966 when engagement with the owners of these properties is not successful. All 31 local authorities have full-time vacant homes officers and there is a range of schemes in place. The concept of a compulsory sale order has been examined by my Department and the Housing Agency. I will elaborate further in my follow-up response.”
“In the context of the measures we have introduced to tackle the scourge of vacancy and dereliction, the vacant property refurbishment grant provides up to €70,000 for the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties for occupation as a principal private residence or for rental. The vacant property refurbishment grant has been expanded as of 1 April this year to include a new “above the shop” grant introduced to support property owners to bring these vacant upper floors over commercial units into use as homes. This provides unprecedented support of up to €135,000. The CPO activation programme requires a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to identifying vacant and derelict properties and engaging with owners to bring these properties back into use.”
“I thank the Deputy for the question. The Government's housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, aims to ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated and effective, and that legislative powers are used proactively to tackle dereliction and vacancy. The derelict property tax announced in budget 2026 is intended to introduce legislation providing for the tax in the Finance Act 2026. When it comes into effect, the tax will replace the derelict sites levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners. Derelict site levies that remain outstanding when the new tax is introduced will remain as charges on the property and will be the responsibility of each local authority to collect.”
“Ensuring homeowners are treated fairly under the grant scheme has and will continue to be the focus of the Government. The Minister is well aware of the urgency of the review. He and his officials are working hard to ensure it is prioritised in a timely fashion. I will circle back to what I said at the outset. I totally understand and appreciate the impact defective concrete blocks have had on homeowners who have been impacted. Very real stories have been articulated by Members of this House. Of that, there is no doubt. I acknowledge everybody involved and their advocacy and work in this area.”
“The Department met again yesterday with the group to focus on how best to keep homeowners informed of ongoing developments in a timely manner. Allowing the review to be undertaken and completed will be key to the success of the grant scheme. The 2022 Act, as set down by the Oireachtas, clearly identified the need for this review. The review will focus, as per the provisions of section 51 of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022, on the operation of the Act, in the first instance, in all matters relating to the introduction of IS 465 and its interaction with the grant scheme will be considered as part of the review. On completion, the Minister will make recommendations to the Government on any proposed changes to the defective concrete blocks scheme.”
“I emphasise that homeowners already in the scheme and undertaking works can continue with those works. Grant payments will continue to be made by local authorities so homeowners can complete their works. As some Members are aware, officials in my Department met members of the implementation steering group last week to provide an update regarding the scheme and the new standard, noting that the Department will issue guidance for local authorities and the Housing Agency on various categories of applicants to the scheme. At this meeting, members were brought up to speed on the review process and what it will entail. The group includes officials from the designated local authorities, the Housing Agency and the homeowner liaison officer, all of whom can assist homeowners with their queries.”
“This Act contains numerous beneficial changes for homeowners in the grant scheme. The Minister operationalised the majority of this Act in February and June of this year. These regulations provided for additional funding to homeowners who were previously unable to avail of the uplift in the scheme cap and rates, which was a particularly important issue for many. Crucially, the regulations also provided for homeowners where either they or members of their family live in a home affected by defective concrete blocks that has been adapted for the needs of the resident living there. The Minister is aware that since the publication of the new standard, homeowners either already in the grant scheme or intending to apply to the scheme will have questions on what the new standard means for them.”
“The Government realised at an early stage that homes affected by defective concrete blocks may not be limited to Donegal, Mayo, Clare and Limerick, and the 2022 Act provides a pathway for additional local authorities to seek designation under the grant scheme. Since 2023, Sligo and parts of the Fingal and Wexford County Council areas have been designated under the grant scheme. As the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, pointed out earlier, parts of Meath County Council and Carlow County Council will shortly be designated under the grant scheme. I am sure this will be welcome news for householders in those areas that have homes impacted by defective concrete blocks. At the end of 2025, the Minister, Deputy Browne, brought forward very important legislation, the Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Act 2025.”
“From listening to the debate, it is clear that one of the primary focuses is to address the issue of foundations. While the focus on foundations is absolutely understandable, the Department's communication will address a wider suite of issues raised in the weeks since the publication of IS 465:2026. Notwithstanding some of the genuinely articulated and personal cases that have been highlighted by Deputies, it is important to point out that the scheme is working for many. As of today, over 3,500 homeowners are at various stages of the grant scheme. Over 500 homes have been remediated, with another 750 at various stages of construction having notified the relevant designated authority of commencement.”
“Therefore, Deputies will appreciate that the approach now being taken by Government to review the Act is a logical one. The publication of the revised IS 465 is the culmination of years of work in a complex and sensitive area that has real meaning and importance to thousands of households in many parts of Ireland. The Government is mindful of the very real concerns of affected homeowners who deserve the chance to be helped to fix their homes and to move on with their lives as much as possible. As the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, has said, the Department, in partnership with the local authority sector and the Housing Agency, will update homeowners in the near future in as clear and comprehensive a way as possible regarding what this new standard might mean for them.”
“When it was recognised that construction inflation was presenting difficulties for homeowners, an increase in the grant scheme cap and rates was legislated for. This brought the overall scheme cap from €420,000 to a maximum of €462,000, along with an increase in the associated grant rates. The Government is committed to funding all eligible expenditure under the scheme. Originally, the estimated cost was more than €2.2 billion, excluding inflation, with an estimated 7,500 households impacted. I note the comments from Deputies here as to the scale of the challenge ahead. A review is ongoing, with the local government sector, of the numbers and of the impact of the new standard IS 465:2026. Furthermore, the changes to the scheme that the standard might necessitate could add further cost to the scheme.”
“The statutory obligation placed on Government by the 2022 Act, arising from the publication of the new IS 465:2026 standard, will now be actioned as soon as possible and a review of the Act will get under way shortly. Importantly, the very large number of homeowners who have already received a determination and grant amount can continue with their works. The current enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme has been open for applications since 2023. The Government put it in place to assist homeowners to remediate damage caused by the use of defective concrete blocks. Notwithstanding that the current grant scheme contains improvements on the previous scheme, the Government has been mindful that the scheme requires monitoring and when changes are needed, they have been actioned.”
“I thank all Deputies for their contributions and for their genuine advocacy and work in this area. I recognise the real hurt and anger right across the country of homeowners who have been impacted by legacy defects as a result of defective concrete blocks. I want to put that on record. As the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, and the Minister, Deputy Browne, have said previously, the Government is committed to assisting homeowners who have been impacted by defective concrete blocks. We have provided significant funding to the scheme and we will continue to do so. We have also kept the scheme under review and have made changes to it as and when required to try to assist more homeowners.”
“My job as Minister of State is to ensure we close that viability gap so we can get the homes that families and individuals need across the country. That is my job as a Minister of State and I hope I will have the support of the House in introducing these guidelines.”
“It is being conducted on a precautionary basis. The Senator has said viability is key in apartment development. The Government recognises that, which is why we are introducing this national planning statement and why we introduced the guidance we brought in last year. If the Senator has suggestions around viability measures in relation to apartment development, he knows I am an approachable Minister of State and I am more than happy to hear those because that is a critical element if we are to get to the targets. I do not think we can have a position where we cannot change apartment standards and have active viability. We know from reports, which both of us examined at the joint committee on housing in the past, that there is a significant viability gap around apartment development.”
“As the Senator will be aware, submissions or observations may be made in relation to the draft national planning statement and the associated precautionary SEA environmental report and non-technical summary until 5.30pm on 7 July 2026.”
“A strategic environmental assessment, SEA, is being undertaken on a precautionary basis and in accordance with Article 6 of Directive 2001/42/EC which is the strategic environmental assessment directive, and the European Union land use planning and strategic environmental assessment regulations 2025. The draft NPS is accompanied by an SEA environmental report and non-technical summary, and a public consultation is being carried out in accordance with regulation 9 of the European Union land use planning and strategic environmental assessment regulations 2025 and section 26 of the Planning and Development Act 2024.”
“It also sets out the need to practically and flexibly apply the general requirements of the draft NPS in relation to refurbishment schemes, particularly in historic buildings, some urban townscapes and over-the-shop type or other existing building conversions. The draft NPS is being prepared for the approval by the Government under section 25 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 to replace the design standards for apartments, guidelines for planning authorities issued in 2025 as ministerial guidelines under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.”
“The draft NPS includes national planning policies and measures related to unit mix, internal space standards for different types of apartments, dual aspect ratios, floor to ceiling heights, apartments to stair or lift core ratios, communal, community and cultural facilities, shared accommodation and certain standards relating to student accommodation. The draft NPS also include guidance related to amenity spaces including balconies or patios, storage, security considerations, access and services, waste management facilities, children’s play areas, bicycle parking or storage and car parking.”
“The draft NPS set out, for consistent application by all planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála, the particular design parameters that will apply to apartment development, where the principle of the development of apartments at any particular site has been established in accordance with the statutory plan and consideration of the policies, objectives and requirements of the sustainable residential development and compact settlement guidelines, issued as ministerial guidelines in 2024.”
“The draft national planning statement, NPS, represents an important opportunity to review how apartment development can contribute to addressing Ireland’s housing needs while maintaining high standards of quality, sustainability and liveability. As housing demands continue to grow across our cities, towns and urban centres, apartments will play a significant role in delivering homes for a diverse range of households, and in particular at central and accessible urban locations. The draft NPS sets out guidance, standards and policy requirements in relation to the design of apartment developments to take account of current Government policy and economic, social and environmental considerations.”
“As the Senator will appreciate, there is a lot in this response and it will be circulated. I will get through as much of it as I possibly can. The delivery of housing is a top priority for this Government. The Government's new housing action plan supports the delivery of the revised national planning framework projections, which set out the need to plan for approximately 50,000 additional homes per annum out to 2040. Fulfilling these commitments will require a substantial increase in housing output of all types, in particular apartments at central and accessible urban locations. On Tuesday, 9 June, a public consultation was opened on the draft national planning statement design standards for apartments 2026 and the associated SEA environmental report and non-technical summary.”
“Part 3 of the Bill, which contains sections 10 to 50, provides for technical amendments, as I outlined previously, in relation to providing greater efficiencies for all stakeholders who interact with the RTB provisions. I outlined some of those in my original contribution in relation to bringing about efficiencies, ensuring we have a fines mechanism in place, statutory timelines and ensuring that High Court orders in appeal cases can be implemented in a more efficient manner. I certainly hope all the measures contained in the Bill will be welcomed. I worked with some Members of the House during my time on the Oireachtas joint committee. I acknowledge the significant work the committee does in relation to this. I also thank my officials, who have done extensive work in relation to this legislation over a considerable time.”
“Subsections (2) to (5) of section 9 provide that the housing authority may give notice in writing that an applicant is required to complete and submit a prescribed form for the purposes of demonstrating that each member of the household satisfies the new provisions in relation to legal and habitual residency. Where a form is required, the householder shall submit the form within 21 days, and the housing authority may extend the period if it considers it appropriate. Provisions in section 9(6) provide that if a person is found guilty of an offence, a fine not exceeding €2,000 may be imposed. Section 9(7) provides that an offence under subsection (6) may be prosecuted by the housing authority that gave the notice concerned.”
“I will move on to the transitional provisions in section 9 of the Bill, which aim to set out how local authorities deal with an application with the authority concerned but which has not yet determined the application; a review of an existing application from somebody already on the housing list where, immediately before the commencement of the relevant section, the authority has not yet concluded the review; and a summary under section 21 of the Act of 2009 where, immediately before the commencement of the section, the housing authority has not yet completed the summary.”
“Section 20B(12) provides that an appeal shall be decided upon within 28 days and shall confirm the determination of the social housing appeal concerned, vary the determination, or set aside the determination and, where the appeals officer considers it appropriate, replace it with an alternative determination. Section 20B(13) provides that an appeals officer shall consider all information provided by a household, the social housing appeal and any accompanying information provided in accordance with subsection (8). Other provisions in this section relate to the decision-making period. I am conscious of the time.”
“Section 20B(7) provides that an appeal shall be in writing and what grounds the appeal is under. Section 20B(8) states that the household may submit such information and documents as the household considers appropriate to support the appeal. Section 20B(9) states that on receipt by a housing authority of a social housing appeal, the chief executive of that authority shall appoint an officer or employee of the authority to decide the appeal. Section 20B(10) provides that an appeals officer shall be a person who did not make the determination concerned and is in a more senior position in the authority than the person who participated in the original decision-making. Section 20B(11) states that an appeals officer shall be independent in the performance of his or her functions under this section.”
“Section 20B(3) provides that a social housing appeal in relation to (a) or (b) in subsection (1) shall be on one or more of the grounds in relation to eligibility specified in subsection (4) only and that (c) in subsection (1) shall be on one or more of the grounds in relation to the classification of housing need specified in subsection (5) only. Section 20B(4) provides for the grounds on which households may appeal a decision in relation to the eligibility criteria. Section 20B(5) provides the grounds on which a household may appeal a decision in relation to the classification of household need. Section 20B(6) provides that a social housing appeal shall be made to the chief executive of the housing authority concerned within 14 days of the notification to the household concerned.”
“This outlines that households may appeal a determination by a housing authority that the household is not qualified for social housing support on eligibility and need criteria or a particular form of social housing support is the appropriate form of such support for that household. Section 20B(1) provides that a household may appeal a determination by the housing authority when it is determined that a household is (a) not qualified for social housing support or (b) where a household, having previously been determined as qualified for support, is no longer qualified for such support or (c) that a particular form of social housing support is the appropriate form of such support for that household. Section 20B(2) provides that an appeal does not apply to a household in receipt of social housing support.”
“Section 20A(8) provides for the conditions that apply to a person whose residency is based on the person availing of his or her right under SI 548 of 2015 European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015. They are not entitled to social housing support for a period of at least three months immediately prior to the day of application. Section 20A(9) provides for conditions attached to persons under subsection (3)(i). Section 20A(10) provides for conditions attached to a connected family of persons under subsection (3)(1). Section 20A(11) outlines the persons that shall not be regarded as being habitually resident in the State for the purposes of social housing support and section 20A(12) contains standard provisions dealing with definitions. Section 20B is concerned with appeal procedures.”
“It may include persons to whom permission as may be specified by the Minister, which is specified permission, has been given in accordance with the law of the State, to be or to remain in the State and, where considered appropriate, who have been lawfully resident for such period immediately preceding the specified permission. Section 20A(5) outlines the matters that the Minister shall consider when prescribing a class or class of persons under subsection (4). Section 20A(6) outlines class or classes of persons that the Minister shall not prescribe under subsection (4). Section 20A(7) provides for the five factors that the housing authority shall take into consideration when determining whether a member of a household is habitually resident in the State.”
“Section 20A(1) provides that a household shall not be eligible for social housing support unless at the time of carrying out the social housing assessment each member of the household is lawfully resident. Section 20A(2) provides that being lawfully resident in the State does not apply to a member of a household who is a child, within the meaning of the Children Act 2001. Section 20A(3) sets out the members of a household that shall be considered lawfully resident in the State for the purposes of social housing support. Section 20A(4) gives the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with the consent of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the power to prescribe in regulations a class or classes of persons.”
“The requirement on Residential Tenancies Board adjudicators and tribunals to have regard to any advices of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in making determinations in relevant dispute cases will be more appropriately placed by this Bill as new sections 97(4A) and 104(8) of the Residential Tenancies Acts. Sections 4 to 6, inclusive, are technical amendments and consequential to other provisions. Section 7 provides amendment of section 20 of the 2009 Act and allows regulations to be made for the amendment to the eligibility criteria for social housing support. Section 8, on residency requirements and social housing appeals, amends the Act of 2009 by the insertion of section 20A after section 20.”
“There will also be provision that a detached auxiliary dwelling developed in accordance with exempted development, as per forthcoming amendments to the planning and development regulations, shall not be a tenancy for the purposes of the Residential Tenancies Acts. I will now outline the broad thrust of the Bill and I will focus specifically on the provisions. The Bill contains 50 sections. Sections 1 to 3, inclusive, contain standard provisions dealing with the short title, definitions, commencement, construction and collective citation of the Bill. Section 3 provides for the consequential repeal of sections 39A(3) and (4) of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2026.”
“They will also include providing that landlords must serve a notice of rent review or notice of termination on the RTB within seven days of the date on which the notice is served on the tenant rather than on the same day on which the notice is served on the tenant. The purpose of this is to facilitate compliance as the postal service may not deliver such notices to both the RTB and the tenant on the same day. There will also be clarity that a party appealing a decision of an RTB adjudication to an RTB tribunal must state the ground or grounds for the appeal. Provision will also be made for two warning notices to issue prior to any fixed payment notice, as referred to earlier, and potentially, for related payment procedures.”
“They will also introduce an obligation on local authorities to have regard to the best interests of the child when emergency accommodation is being provided to a person and a child who normally resides with them and a definition of what a child is. It is also the intention of the Minister, Deputy Browne, to bring forward a number of technical amendments to Part 3 of the Bill as it progresses through the Houses on Committee and Report Stages, including technical and consequential amendments to section 9. These will include extending the period from the date of an offence for the RTB to institute a prosecution and updating the references to the increases in the building energy rating required to qualify for an exemption from the rent increase restriction to reflect the new BER scale that came into force in May.”
“For a person deemed not eligible for homeless supports and services, a safety net service will allow local authorities to provide emergency accommodation to that person in strictly limited circumstances on a night-to-night basis. An amendment will also be brought forward to expand the circumstances in which local authorities can withdraw the provision of emergency accommodation. The proposed amendments to be brought forward on Report Stage will also introduce a mechanism of appeal against decisions made by local authorities in relation to the withdrawal of the provision of emergency accommodation.”
“On Committee Stage, we will bring forward a requirement for Tusla to be included as a member of each of the nine regional joint homelessness consultative fora. We will also bring Report Stage amendments on the introduction of eligibility criteria for access to homeless services, the expansion of the circumstances in which the provision of emergency accommodation can be withdrawn, and the recognition of the best interests of the child. In line with amendments to eligibility for social housing support, lawful residency and habitual residency will be introduced as eligibility criteria for homelessness supports. The introduction of this amendment will ensure that the State is operating a harmonised and consistent approach to the provision of social entitlements in general.”
“These are technical amendments to take account of the enactment of the International Protection Act 2026 in a new section 20A, provisions on data and information sharing with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to support implementation of residency provisions in an amendment to section 55 of the Housing Act 2014, and amendments to certain sections of the Housing Act 1988 and the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 relating to the provision of homeless services to be brought forward on Committee and Report Stages. As a result of the considerable changes in the nature of homelessness which have occurred since the Housing Act 1988 was enacted, in July 2025 the Government approved the preparation of legislative amendments relating to the provision of homeless services by local authorities.”
“The key provisions of Part 3 include streamlining court enforcement of RTB determination orders and allowing members of An Garda Síochána and officers of a housing authority, if required, to provide evidence in certain RTB dispute resolution cases, such as anti-social behaviour cases. They also include empowering the RTB to issue 28-day fixed payment notices for certain offences to provide the opportunity for an offender to avoid prosecution and speed up compliance with the RTA, and clearly providing for public RTB hearings in the context of adjudication, tribunal and sanctioning cases. It is the intention of the Minister, Deputy Browne, to bring forward a number of Committee Stage amendments in relation to Part 2 of the Bill.”
“This builds on, but makes more robust, existing local authority arrangements in this area. The new appeal provisions will provide an independent, accessible and fair appeals service for social housing applicants in a prompt manner without the necessity to establish a new entity or body and the associated governance and related complexities this would bring. These provisions have been drafted with input and advice from the Office of the Attorney General and with the experience of the applicant and the expertise of local authorities in mind. Part 3 of the Bill technically amends the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2026 to enhance their implementation and the outcomes thereunder, with greater efficiencies for stakeholders, including the Residential Tenancies Board and the courts.”
“The measure will ensure social housing support recipients are resident in the State, have close links to the State, and have made Ireland their home. While demonstrating habitual residency is a new part of the application and assessment process, much, if not all, of the existing documentation required, such as proof of address, income and history of residency permission, will in most cases suffice. The introduction of the Bill is about ensuring we have a robust legislative framework, eliminating ambiguity and ensuring a statutory framework for the complex interaction of the immigration system and local authority social housing eligibility decision-making. The Bill also provides for the appeal of social housing assessment decisions by housing authority decision makers.”
“As with existing policy, those who have applied for international protection but have yet to receive a decision; a person who has a deportation or a return order against them where the notification is in force; those with immigration permissions that do not permit them to access certain social and public services; and those on certain temporary permissions, for example, temporary protection, will not be eligible for housing support. The introduction of the new habitual residency requirement for all social housing applicants as a new eligibility criterion is consistent with the approach taken in social protection legislation and consistent with the policy objective that social housing is a long-term support.”
“Putting these requirements on a statutory footing ensures there is a robust statutory and regulatory framework in an area of increasing demand. Ultimately, these changes will provide legal certainty for applicants, decision makers and the courts. The Bill inserts a new section 20A into the 2009 Act. Section 20A prescribes clearly the specific residency requirements for Irish, UK, EU-EEA and non-EU-EEA nationals. These are grounded in existing policy and current decision-making in line with existing policy. These residency requirements are also consistent with our international obligations under various directives, EU treaties and related case law.”
“This Bill will put these eligibility requirements for accessing social housing supports on a statutory footing by amending the relevant provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 consistent with the existing policy included in the relevant circular. The Bill introduces clear legal requirements that all applicants must be lawfully and habitually resident in the State. These legislative reforms are building on existing policy and procedures which, in the first instance, define social housing as a long-term housing support. Therefore, successful applicants must be in a position to demonstrate that they have a long-term entitlement to reside in the State, that is, their permission to reside here is not temporary or short term.”