An 'affordable' housing scheme is the only alternative for families removed from the housing waiting list.

Fianna Fáil raised the issue after it was revealed that up to 100 families in the Dublin City region have been removed from the public housing waiting list this year for earning more than the maximum income limit of €42,000.

Fianna Fáil General Election Candidate in Dublin North West, Cllr Paul McAuliffe, said: "As the economy has picked up and employment has risen once again some parents might be both back working again and quite easily earn a combined salary above the €42,000 cap. That is the case with many of these 100 families in Dublin City who are now too wealthy for public housing but too poor to purchase a home or rent in Dublin.

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"They now face a very frustrating scenario where they have been removed from the waiting list because they've decided to get back to work and yet there is no alternative means which will allow them to secure suitable accommodation.

"This Government speaks about rewarding work but on the other hand continuously ignore the desperation for an Affordable Housing Scheme to be established to support working people in need of a home.

"Rather than encourage working families, this Government is penalising them by failing to meet their varied housing needs with the delivery of an Affordable Housing Scheme."

He concluded: "Fianna Fáil is committed to securing this scheme in the forthcoming Budget so we can put an end to penalising those who are determined to find a home."

(MH/LM)