Parliament probes Circle Housing governance and financial standards

Parliament to Scrutinise Circle Voluntary Housing Association Operations

The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage is set to convene tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July, at Leinster House in Dublin. The session aims to discuss the operations of Circle Voluntary Housing Association with key stakeholders.

The meeting will be divided into two distinct parts. First, representatives from Circle Voluntary Housing Association will present their case starting at 3pm. Following this, officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, alongside regulators from the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority and the Housing Finance Agency, will speak beginning at 4:15pm.

Deputy Micheál Carrigy, Cathaoirleach of the committee, highlighted the association's significant role. He noted that Circle Voluntary Housing Association is one of Ireland’s leading approved housing bodies, delivering social and affordable solutions across the nation through partnerships with local authorities and state agencies.

However, recent developments have prompted this inquiry. A Standards Assessment conducted by the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority identified specific concerns regarding governance, financial management, and property standards at Circle. The committee expressed its anticipation to discuss these critical matters with representatives from all involved parties.

The Joint Committee comprises fourteen members, including nine from the Dáil Éireann and five from Seanad Éireann. Public viewing of the proceedings will be available live on Oireachtas TV and via the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App for both Apple and Android users.