Move underway to remove blanket pet bans in social housing, TD says

Eva Osborne

A group will be set up to remove blanket pet bans in social homes and units provided by Approved Housing Bodies (AHB), according to a Fine Gael TD.

Deputy Maeve O'Connell said pets are an important part of many families, and it is "deeply unfair" to force people to give up their pet to secure a home.

"As a pet owner myself I know how distressing it can be to choose between a home and a pet," she said.

“Following my parliamentary question in the Dáil to Housing Minister James Browne, he confirmed that work is actively progressing with the removal of the blanket ban.

“The Minister’s confirmation that a review is being undertaken of the Codes of Practice for the Housing Body Allocation Process is very welcome.

“When this policy was first announced, I was concerned that developing specific legislation would take time, time that families who are facing tough choices between their homes or their pets can’t afford."

Confirmation that the ban removal will be progressed through codes of practices and service level agreements mean that the policy will be in place far faster, O'Connell said.

“I have been in touch with a wide number of AHBs, and it’s clear that they each have varying approaches to tackle the subject.

“Families and AHBs need direct guidance and clarity for what exactly works best, and I look forward to the department producing these codes of practices and service level agreements.

“It is encouraging to see the Minister and the department being proactive in implementing this widely welcomed policy.”