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Sinn Féin is calling on South Dublin City Council to be more flexible and to cater for different groups on social housing waiting lists.
The party made the call after the council revealed people on the waiting lists are required to fill out a form online to provide documentary evidence of any changes in their circumstances.
Councillor Mark Ward welcomed the live register, however he said flexibility must be given to people who do not have access to the internet.
Cllr Ward said: "Each applicant will be asked to complete an online form and provide documentary evidence of any changes in their circumstances and return this information to South Dublin County Council.
"There are a number of things concerning me about this process. Notably, those who may not have the necessary digital skills to fill out these online forms could be most at risk of losing their place on the housing list. There are groups of people within the County that do not or are unable to access the internet. The digital divide includes older people and also is impacted by people's economic status.
"According to a report by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), only 60% of single adults who live alone use the internet and one third of these single adults have never used the internet.
"Only 63% of households who have no employed resident use the internet.
"I would like to see what the Councils plan is to incorporate these people on the other side of the digital divide. According to the memo the Councillors received today, anyone who fails to return the housing needs assessment within the specified time, will see their application for social housing support terminated.
"I agree that there is a need for an up to date live register to assess our housing needs. However, I would like to see the Council being flexible and to cater for different groups in our county. I hope that this does not turn into a cull of the housing list and that people are giving sufficient time to return their forms and that extra supports are giving to those that can't."
(CD/MH)
