Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On the policy of purchase of private housing for social use, are specific bands given in counties where there is a shortage of private housing? I can see the logic of it in a county such as Leitrim where there is much empty housing but in the greater Dublin area it would have a very negative impact if private units were being bought for social use. Where stands development on the supply of water from the Shannon which is a long-term project and has funding been allocated or spent in that area?

In regard to the issue referred to in Cork, which I am sure applies in other countries, where there are high levels of refusals in terms of offers of social housing my suspicion, and I think it is also Minister of State's suspicion, is that some of it may relate to anti-social behaviour. Are efforts being made by the Department and individual councils to try to get on top of that problem because it is persistent in many places?