Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In most local authorities the rate is between 30% and 40%.

South Dublin County Council is the only local authority that offers choice-based lettings, a matter to which Deputy Brian Stanley referred. A system of choice-based lettings is working really well and I encourage everyone across the political spectrum to support the concept. It has been rolled out in Cork but only since 2 November. We do not yet have the figures, but we are expecting them to increase dramatically. The system of choice-based lettings works well and also takes away the time spent in offering a local authority house to someone which is turned down and then offered to someone else. The time involved is shortened.

A number of other issues were raised. I have already broken down the figures. I ask the Minister of State with responsibility for the area to deal with the questions on pyrite.

The capital assistance scheme applies to those with special needs, who are homeless and so forth. In response to a specific question we have announced that more than 3,000 units have been approved for development up to 2017. I have spoken about the housing needs assessment, which was a very good thing to introduce.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett raised an issue related to staff. I assure him it is not an issue we ever have. If there are issues, we will deal with them, but they have choices in relation to local property tax. A direction in relation to the local authority has been and is being given in respect of the fund about which he spoke.

I think that covers all of the questions aked. The Minister of State, Deputy Paudie Coffey, may wish to deal with other issues.