Mr. John O'Connor:

In a number of months' time, that may be an issue we will have to address. At the moment it is not an issue.

The properties being offered under the acquisition initiative are primarily buy-to-let properties dotted around the place, so we are not dealing with a concentration issue. The local authorities have been very responsive in giving us quick feedback on whether the properties are located in an area suitable for social housing. The main reason a local authority would deem a property unsuitable would be if it is remote from a city, town or village. The local authority might have some specific information about an issue with the development, but that does not arise much. We carry out inspections and valuations of the properties, and sometimes we do not proceed with them because of the condition of the property. On the acquisition side in our view local authorities have been acting reasonably and have been very helpful because of their local knowledge.

The concentrations would relate more to the NAMA acquisitions. In our opinion local authorities have taken a reasonable position on the NAMA acquisitions. We talk about a figure of 7,000. The number offered to local authorities was more of the order of 5,000 because 2,000 had already been sold or let. Local authorities typically took about 50% of the properties. We are happy to provide all the information on the acquisitions to the committee.

I will ask Ms Dillon to give the committee a flavour of the vacant housing strategy and her engagement with the UK in particular.