Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The implementation group to which Deputy Cowen referred is chaired by Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa, who is sitting to my left, and it meets on a monthly basis to oversee the implementation of some 80 actions.

As part of that, Ms Nic Aongusa meets representatives of Dublin City Council to discuss the range of social housing actions which must be executed and also the issue of homelessness. The matter has been considered in even greater detail as a result of those meetings.

The Deputy referred to housing adaptation grants. A total of €38 million was spent on this very worthy programme in 2014. The programme has helped a range of people throughout the country. If there are pockets which have issues in respect of the this matter, we will examine the possibility of having these addressed. To my knowledge, however, the programme is working very well. We do not want to dilute the impact it is having by pulling funding from local authorities. Where funding is not used, obviously it can be reallocated. As I understand it, local authorities are quite happy with the way in which the programme has been operating. In view of the Deputy's comments, however, I will investigate the matter. It is intended that the funding relating to this very worthy and very successful programme - by means of which a great deal has been achieved - will be maintained at a similar level in 2015.

The Deputy's next question related to commercial rates. I have dealt with this matter in the House but I am happy to do so again. Discussions took place with Irish Water - which, in turn, had discussions with the local authorities - in respect of this matter. As I indicated in the House, however, detailed discussions with the Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, and the local authorities did not take place, primarily as a result of issues relating to timing. The amount involved is €59 million. In the preceding year it was €48 million. Based on revaluations, €59 million is the calculation for next year. A number of revaluations are taking place. I refer to that which is taking place in Limerick and which is giving rise to what I might term "considerable figures". That is the process by means of which this matter was dealt with.

The Deputy raised issues in respect of social housing and I have taken these on board. The strategy in this regard did not just appear out of thin air. It is a considered strategy and it is the result of a long consultative process involving the various groups, agencies and interested parties. To be fair, many aspects of that process were taken on board and used in the context of the strategy. We are happy that the filtration mechanism that was used - and the process relating thereto - dealt with many of the issues of concern to people, including the members present. Many individuals will have issues with regard to priorities and to how matters are addressed. In broad terms, however, there has been a collective welcome for the amount of capital - some €3.8 billion - that is being made available and the view has been expressed that this is a step in the right direction. We can all argue - from a political point of view - that things might be done better or in a different way. However, I think people are generally of the view that this strategy is a welcome addition.

On homelessness, Deputy Cowen made a specific query with regard to Thursday next. As already stated, we meet on weekly basis to discuss homelessness and Ms Nic Aongusa meets representatives from Dublin City Council to discuss the matter. Issues relating to homelessness also affect places outside Dublin. However, we are very much aware that the acute issues which arise primarily relate to the city. A range of actions are being taken in respect of this matter and I will comment on those in a moment. However, the Deputy specifically asked what I want from Thursday's meeting. The Deputy is correct - I am seeking concrete action. I do not want any more policies, strategies or anything of that nature. Those are not what is required.