Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In 2016. We can send the Deputy some detail on that. I take on board his points.

On NAMA properties, local authorities and the housing agency have engaged with NAMA. Some 65 units of Tallaght Cross apartments have already been equipped by South Dublin County Council. NAMA residential acquistions have happened and we have considered the hotels issue. The difficulty is in trying to get solutions before Christmas because we have to have them in place by 21 December. That is why modular housing is so important.

It provides solutions for families who have to stay in hotels. I do not think families would prefer to stay in hotels, even if they were refurbished. I think they would prefer to be in these modular houses that are of a very high standard. They want a home not a hotel room, with all the difficulties that presents.

An affordable rental pilot scheme was announced as part of budget 2016 and is currently being developed within the Department. A sum of €10 million has been made available for the scheme from the proceeds of the sale of Bord Gais Éireann. This is an ongoing annual commitment to secure a long-term increase in the supply of housing for affordable rental. The scheme is expected to work on the basis of tenants paying the majority of the rental costs from their own resources with the State helping to meet the shortfall. It is intended that the scheme would be made available to households on low to moderate incomes as well as being a possible support option for some households which qualify for social housing support. A State policy intervention such as a subsidy will be applied to bridge the gap between what people can afford and what the housing market charges. Such a scheme would also facilitate and incentivise private investment in this sector. I want to see work completed on the scheme as soon as possible, so that it is ready by December. Affordable rental will be a separate scheme from the housing assistance payment, HAP. The Deputy can consider the detail to see if it addresses his concerns.

New measures will ensure rents can only be increased every two years. The Minister made an announcement in that regard a short time ago. Landlords will be required to give 90 days notice of a rent increase. The Government is also addressing the issue of rent certainty which will give people a breathing space while we are waiting for built units to come on stream to supplement the supply issue.

Deputy Murphy asked about the extra powers being given to local authorities. The measures we are talking about actually go beyond Part VIII. There are powers under section 179(6)(b) of the Act under which a local authority chief executive can dispense with the normal Part VIII planning process for the local authority's own development where a proposed development is necessary to deal urgently with any situation which the chief executive considers to be an emergency situation calling for immediate action.