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move: To delete all words after "That" and substitute the following: "Dáil Éireann resolves that the Social Housing Passport Bill 2026 be deemed to be read a second time this day twelve months, to allow for further consideration of the proposals in the Bill.". Before I go into … will, however, move the timed amendment. We need balance. We represent different constituencies and different local authorities. I remember the approach to social housing allocations in Cork being amended. Cork moved away from a localised allocation and broadened it to the entire county. That change was met with

welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill and support its passage on Second Stage. Ireland faces a housing infrastructure challenge that is well known to every Member of this House. Families are struggling to access affordable housing, communities need vital infrastructure to be delivered and businesses require … must always be open to challenges where genuine legal issues arise, but we must recognise that lengthy and complex court procedures can delay housing, public infrastructure and investment projects for years and years, as the Minister of State can see himself. I welcome the reforms in the Bill

move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The idea behind the social housing passport is a very simple one. It allows people on local authority housing waiting lists or in receipt of social housing supports like the housing assistance payment, HAP, and the rental accommodation … Fine Gael, the Labour Party and, indeed, until recently, the Minister of State's party. Alan Kelly, when he was the Minister for housing back in 2014, included it in his housing plan at the time. Simon Coveney, when he was the Minister for housing in 2016, included

think there is an acceptance that in previous Government commitments there has been an acceptance that there is a need for a social housing passport. It makes sense. What is clear when you read the Bill, as put forward, is that it is not a generalised free … could see situations - and we know of them - in which people would be able to move and bring their time spent on a housing list with them. As I said, the Bill sets out very clearly that the Minister can and should put forward regulations that would stipulate

which the Government has introduced and intends to proceed with this Bill. The Minister of State said "With the support of both Houses and with your co-operation, I hope to have this Bill enacted before the summer recess." We will have no say in that enactment … Government has already decided that the Bill is going to be railroaded through the Houses in a matter of days. Given the complexity of the legislation in front of us, its impact on our planning system and, on foot of that, the impact that will be felt

play handball against a haystack. I ask the Minister of State and his officials - it comes under the Department of local government and housing, as far as I know - to sort this out. Someone needs to do something. There are some good things in the Bill. Of course … have essential services, including jobs, health and educational services, school places and sports and leisure facilities. They cannot be just a series of housing estates dropped in fields around the edges of towns. That is important. Some Deputies indicated that they welcome the certainty with the county development

protection currently benefitting from the scheme where those beneficiaries of temporary protection have satisfied a means test similar to those applicable for other housing assistance payments; — new applications who propose to host a beneficiary of temporary protection in their property which is also their own primary residence … their spare rooms to Ukrainians fleeing the war. Those people absolutely deserve to be commended. When the ARP scheme was brought before the House, there was absolutely unanimous support for it. However, Government moved away from the original intention behind that scheme, at one stage increasing the payment

sure the Minister of State is aware but we are really only having this debate because of the housing crisis being created by his Government and its policies. Notwithstanding that, there are many consequences of its housing crisis and this is one. It does not affect an awful … said: While I am on my feet, I also want to say the Deputy raised an issue with me before in the House in relation to victims and survivors of domestic abuse, when they are moving from one local authority list to another, and the time they were

That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to bring the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 before the House. The main purpose of this Bill is to support the smooth commencement of the remaining provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2024 later … General, informed by dozens of key stakeholder voices in the planning arena, while also subject to considerable scrutiny when it passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas. Given the scale of the 2024 Act, it has been necessary to commence and implement it on a phased basis

thank the Deputy for raising this important matter and providing me with an opportunity to update the House. I am replying on behalf of the Minister for housing, Deputy James Browne. Tenancy sustainment, or tenant in situ, is not a stand-alone programme or scheme … priority category under the Department of housing's social housing second-hand acquisitions programme which helps prevent social housing supported households in the private rental sector from becoming homeless. Such acquisitions are an option for local authorities to support households in the most precarious housing situations. They

State for his reply. My natural disposition as a person is to treat people at face value, but ten years in this House has made a bit of a cynic of me. When I see the timed amendment, given the fact that a commitment was made by three … previous Ministers to introduce the social housing passport over a period of 14 years there was clearly plenty of time to have considered those matters. The Minister of State and I also know it is normal for legislation to be passed in this House but for another

accept they are fighting tirelessly to highlight the need for us to ensure their loved ones are cared for and provided with appropriate housing, as and when it is needed. For far too many families, placements are made at the last minute, causing distress to individuals and their … been referenced, have done likewise. Along with many other disability advocates, they have collectively spurred on the Government and all in this House to drive on with this important work. I must also acknowledge this focus on disability has not been limited to the Department of Children, Disability

year plan. The measures aimed at accelerating electricity, gas and other strategic infrastructure are welcome. Without adequate infrastructure, we simply cannot deliver the housing that people desperately need. We also recognise the potential benefits of allowing approved apartment developments to be modified more easily. If sensible changes … receive the same priority if balanced regional development is to become a reality. The Government says that these changes will reduce delays, increase housing supply and improve legal certainty. Those are worthwhile goals. However, the real test will be whether more homes are built, infrastructure projects are delivered

housing crisis continues to cut deep. The numbers in homelessness remain shockingly high. There are over 17,000 people in emergency accommodation, including 5,583 children. That is an appalling statistic and each figure represents an individual human tragedy. While the Dáil is in recess, sadly, many more … four children, two with significant disabilities, one of whom requires 24-hour medical care, and she has yet to be housed. She is relying on the goodwill of family and friends to keep a roof over her head. Another mother who is working full time was also evicted

move amendment No. 1: In page 5, line 10, to delete “Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009” and substitute the following: “Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009; to provide for additional eligibility criteria for access to certain services provided to homeless persons under section 10 of the Housing … withdrawal of such services in certain cases; to provide for an appeal in respect of such withdrawal; for those purposes to amend the Housing Act 1988”. On Second Stage of the Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, I indicated that I would bring forward a number

sections after section 10: “Residency requirements 10A.(1) A person shall not be eligible to access arrangements, assistance or accommodation provided by a housing authority by virtue of section 10(1) unless the authority, having carried out an assessment, is satisfied that the person, and any person … homeless person and one or more other persons who might reasonably be expected to reside with that person; (b) a reference to social housing support shall be read as a reference to arrangements, assistance or accommodation provided under section 10; (c) a reference to a social housing assessment

move amendment No. 24: In page 15, between lines 27 and 28, to insert the following: “Social housing assessment: transfer and recognition 11.The Act of 2009 is amended by the insertion of the following section after section 20B (inserted by section 8): “Social housing passport 20C.(1) Where … housing authority (in this section referred to as the ‘assessing authority’) has determined under section 20 that a household is qualified for social housing support, and a member of that household subsequently establishes a connection with the functional area of another housing authority (in this section referred

said about the changes being made to apartment guidelines. It stated very clearly that professional planners not only recognise the gravity of the housing crisis, they welcome meaningful evidence-based reforms but the institute is not convinced that the announced changes to apartment sizes and standards would achieve … what is intended. It said the erosion of unit mix requirements presents a market-led approach to housing that is fundamentally at odds with the significant work undertaken by the Department of housing to create a plan-led system with high-quality long-term sustainable outcomes. That

Bill. It is a long and technical Bill. One aspect of it is that it seeks to raise the borrowing limit of the Housing Finance Agency, which is fine. However, the other aspects are quite technical and detailed. Deputy Ó Broin alluded to a recurring theme across Departments … just the Department of housing, whereby the deadline for Committee Stage amendments to Bills is given before the Second Stage debate. I do not appreciate that and it does not set a good precedent. In many cases, Second Stage allows us to tease out queries, issues or concerns

citizen to penetrate. It is not unique to this legislation. It is something that we do as a matter of course in this House but I think it is bad practice. We should be able to pick up the law and read it and have an idea … there for everyone to read. It is a simple thing that we could do as a general practice in this House but we do not. That is obviously a drafting point that will get exactly no traction with anyone outside this House but it is pertinent to this

would like the Government to give a commitment to ensuring that that will not be the case. Second, on the issue of housing, it really is incredible. Housing, as the President of the European Council, Mr. António Costa, said at the ceremony today, is one of the biggest … issues facing Europe today, but yet when you look at the Government's plans for the Presidency, there was not a mention of housing in the 13 pages of the two speeches. It is incredible. Across Europe today, there is a generation who cannot afford

raising this matter and for highlighting the significant population growth taking place in Swords. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I am interested to hear the Deputy say it is the third largest town in Ireland. In that context … understand why he has raised these issues. The Government fully recognises that the successful delivery of new housing must be supported by timely and co-ordinated investment in the infrastructure required to sustain vibrant and thriving communities. Through the housing activation office in my Department, we are working

crisis, as many disabled people and their families do not know that they are required to be on a local authority social housing list to be recorded within housing need; — at the end of quarter 2 2025, HSE data recorded 1,389 applicants for new residential services … know where their adult son or daughter will live when they can no longer provide care; — in evidence to the Houses of the Oireachtas, Before We Die stated that, of 1,000 families surveyed, only 2 per cent had a formal written housing plan for their adult

safe, high-quality and person-centred way. We can only achieve that with the right people and with access to the right housing needs. Addressing workplaces challenges, including the recruitment and retention of a strong workforce, and having the right regulatory environment for the sector in place … access to appropriate and adequate availability of housing. In that regard, I echo the Minister’s welcome of the circular from this week to local authorities on housing development action plans. Those plans will deliver more appropriate accommodation solutions for people with complex disabilities in local authorities across

move amendment No. 18: In page 13, to delete lines 25 to 35 and substitute the following: “(9) On receipt by a housing authority of a social housing appeal made in accordance with this section, the chief executive of the authority shall request the Minister to nominate … establish and maintain a panel of persons eligible for nomination as appeals officers, being persons— (a) who are officers or employees of a housing authority other than the housing authority whose determination is the subject of the social housing appeal concerned, and (b) who, in the opinion

Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of private house calls that HSE pest control services attended within the Dublin region in 2025 and to-date in 2026; the average time it take for pest control services to attend a private house call after … request to the pest control service; and if the HSE pest control services carries out subsequent work at a private house, after an initial call which discovers that work is need to be carried out regarding pest control at the house. [53430/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the priority the Government is giving to the delivery of affordable housing throughout County Kerry for working individuals and families who are above the income threshold for social housing but cannot afford to purchase a home … current market prices; if funding has been set aside to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing schemes in Kerry. [51039/26

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether properties owned or operated by an approved housing body (AHB), including supported accommodation, rehabilitation centres, and other residential facilities provided by an AHB for housing or care-related purposes, are eligible for assistance under

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if current social housing tenants, including HAP and RAS tenants, will be included in the improved protocols for the allocation of social housing to victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse; and if he will

asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the engagement he or his Department have had with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the provisions contained in section 5.2 of the Draft National Housing Statement relating to multi-unit housing developments

Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to review existing housing policy to ensure that people who become permanently disabled are not left trapped in unsuitable accommodation because of current housing schemes (details supplied) and the lack of flexibility

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to increase the qualifying threshold for social housing to allow low income workers qualify for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53597/26

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to support the delivery of additional housing in Gaeltacht areas; whether his Department has assessed how the proposed changes to planning policy may affect the availability of housing for people wishing

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the oversight his Department exercises over rent-setting policies of approved housing bodies funded under the capital assistance scheme; whether his Department has the power to intervene where proposed rent increases would cause financial hardship … elderly social housing tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51243/26

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has examined extending rent pressure zone protections, or introducing equivalent rent increase limits, to approved housing bodies providing social housing under the capital assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he will review the operation of the economic value provisions applied by approved housing bodies in determining rents, particularly in the case of elderly tenants living in social housing funded by the State

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the proposed social housing defective concrete blocks remediation scheme; if approved housing body-owned or operated properties, including supported accommodation and rehabilitation centres will be eligible for inclusion under this scheme; the anticipated

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the public consultation and engagement with the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage he intends to undertake with respect to the Sustainable Rural & Gaeltacht Housing DRAFT National Planning Policy. [51824/26

Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to introduce a grant incentive scheme for social housing tenants to purchase private housing (details supplied). [50507/26

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total cost of the construction works and modular units provided at Castlerea Prison, Loughan House Open Centre, and Shelton Abbey Open Centre, with the costs broken down on a site-by-site basis and including all associated planning, construction, consultancy … related project costs; the total cost of the construction and renovation works for the Governors House at Loughan House Open Centre including all associated planning, construction, consultancy, and related project costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50523/26

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has had any engagement with the Department of Housing; Local Government and Heritage or Meath County Council with a view to transferring a property in County Meath (details supplied) to the local authority … approved housing body so it can be used for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48864/26

Finance the estimated yield if the stamp duty on the sale of residential properties on the portion where the value of the houses is between €1 million and €1.5 million increased to 4% and stamp duty on the portion of the value of houses valued at over

William Aird asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to consider extending, expanding or introducing mortgage interest relief, renter tax relief or other housing-related tax measures in Budget 2027 to assist middle-income households facing high housing costs; and if he will make a statement

they were originally vacated; the breakdown of the average cost to bring a vacant property owned by the OPW into use for social housing; the breakdown of the overall cost to bring vacant properties owned by the OPW back into use for social housing; the breakdown

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered legislation to allow social housing tenants whose joint tenant has been abusive to them and there is a safety or protection order in place, to separate their joint tenancy to allow local

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a qualified child Increase payment from the Department of Social Protection is reckonable as income when assessing for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53946/26

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm that HAP and RAS tenants will not be able to access the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence social housing transfer protocol. [53948/26

Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which the amount of the allowance payable under the mortgage allowance scheme, currently €11,450, was last revised; if his Department has undertaken an assessment of the adequacy of the allowance having regard … increase in house prices and mortgage costs since that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53988/26

Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has compared the cost to the Exchequer of an allowance under the mortgage allowance scheme with the average cost of delivering one additional social home; if he will review the scheme, including … level of the allowance and the minimum mortgage requirement, with a view to increasing its effectiveness in freeing up social housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53989/26

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the social housing passport will be introduced. [54088/26