Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Has Dublin City Council the capacity on its own or in partnership with other private housing groups to meet the housing needs of those on the waiting list? I know that is a very broad question.

The Docklands was designated as a strategic development zone, SDZ. The 10% of houses which will be allocated to social housing is extremely low. I am aware of the issues, including the dangers of ghettoisation that Mr. Brady raised in his previous answer, but 10% is extremely low. Could this committee recommend that the figure of 10% be increased? We know there will be office and business type developments in the Docklands and housing will be built to attract employees to rent in the area. I am making a plea for people who need some place to live.

I know progress has been made on the turnaround of vacant housing, however the level of voids in Dublin Central is unacceptable. We know that it is costing a great deal and takes time to clear out perfectly good accommodation. Can that issue be looked at? I know new tenants want to put their own stamp on the place, but we know of cases where really good accommodation is being gutted. That is a waste of time and money. Has the city council the manpower with the skills to turn around the voids quickly in light of the Minister's statement on one occasion that money was no object in respect of voids?

When we visited the site of the modular houses in East Wall, the costs were extremely reasonable but the costs have risen considerably in certain places. What can be done about rising costs?

The average waiting period on the housing list is lengthening. Is it proposed to look again at the 50% of accommodation that goes to the homeless housing list as this is having unintended consequences for those who have been on the other housing list for a very long time? I know that people who have been recommended from the homeless list who are not acceptable to the housing body because of their chaotic lifestyle and active addiction have held up the accommodation being offered to others. Can there not be more leeway in the allocation of housing between the two lists?

People will say they will not go into hostels because of the risky behaviour of the other residents. We have had previous conversations with Mr. Cathal Morgan on drug free accommodation. I have been in a number of hostels and have met the staff and have checked on what training they have undertaken. Can he outline the level of unacceptable behaviour in hostels which people refer to when they say it is not safe to go into hostels?