Independent T.D. Róisín Shortall has called for the reintroduction of the Financial Contribution scheme for Older Persons during a debate on the housing crisis in the Dáil.
Ms. Shortall pointed out that one of the key factors behind the boom in rents at the moment is a lack of supply of family homes. She said that many families, even some long-term renters, have found themselves homeless as they are simply no longer able to afford their rent.
“The Financial Contribution scheme for Older persons is one way in which Dublin City Council could acquire family sized social housing. The scheme worked by allowing older people whose homes had become too large for their needs to sell their house to the Council at a discounted rate and in turn be accommodated in a good quality sheltered housing unit. It worked for the Council and it worked for the home-owner. It increased the supply of social housing, allowed young families to be accommodated, and achieved greater population density without the need for vast new housing estates or apartments.”
“However, this scheme is currently suspended by Dublin City Council due to a lack of funding,” explained Ms. Shortall. “It is very frustrating that schemes like this that could help tackle the current shortage of social housing and rising rents are not even being operated,” concluded Ms. Shortall.
Ms. Shortall called on the Minister for Housing, Jan O’Sullivan, to reopen and extend the scheme.
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