Divorced and separated people are facing difficulties in accessing housing assistance in Waterford, according to a local councillor.
Fianna Fáil's Eamon Quinlan says he's become aware of a huge gap in the system which is leaving many people "financially destitute".
Speaking on 'Déise Today', he outlined what's happening.
"Officials are looking at them on the system and saying 'you own a house, so why would we be putting you on a council housing list or giving you help to get another property when I can see you have a house?' The person says 'yes, but my marriage is gone, my relationship is gone, I'm out of the house, I can't use it' but the council's position is 'No, you're not getting help'."
Cllr Quinlan explained that when people ask what they can do to rectify the situation, the advice they're being given is that they need to 'sign away' their interest in the house.
He would like to see Waterford take the lead in addressing this "anomaly" in the housing system.
Cllr Eamon Quinlan says the issue is "particularly prevalent" in Waterford.
"The council feels it's a national issue and they don't want to be the first to change the rules," he said.
"I have some sympathy for our officials. If you're taking something from on high and you're not given the authority to change it, you're put in a difficult position."
Although it's a national problem, Cllr Quinlan says the issue appears to be particularly prevalent in Waterford.
