Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is disappointing that the Government has not yet produced a vacant house strategy. Yesterday, I published the Vacant Housing Refurbishment Bill, which I hope to have discussed in Private Members' time next week. The legislation is an effort to cut costs and time, streamline certification without compromising quality and bring older buildings and housing units above shops into use as quickly as possible. I hope the Minister will support and, if necessary, amend it.

The Taoiseach spoke of re-purposing the National Asset Management Agency and I have publicly stated that NAMA has a role to play in this area. The Minister indicated that funding for projects was not a problem. Expenditure on capital projects is only 50% of what it was in 2008. NAMA has an opportunity to use its expertise and an off-balance sheet model to provide funding at or higher than the 2008 level to address this issue.

On affordability, I am pleased to hear the commitment given by the Minister regarding announcements he will make in the coming weeks, especially as the Fine Gael Party scrapped the only State-sponsored scheme in 2012. I welcome the progress that will be made in this regard, even if it is five years late.

I listened to Senator Murnane O'Connor's point on the assistance local authorities could provide to the new cohort of people who find themselves in the predicament of being unable to fund a mortgage or rent. Credit unions also have a role to play in this area.

On the costs of construction, I note that Laois County Council reduced the development charge in the county. This is a commendable move which sets an example for other local authorities. The Department should follow its lead by addressing the costs of construction. I make no apology for advocating targeted reductions in VAT. The Minister should also consider a new model for certification and the role local authorities can play. This could generate revenue. He should also address the costs of construction. I am disappointed he will engage in another consultation process on how to address these costs. We have had enough discussion and debate. The Minister should take a coherent approach under which the cost of finance would be led by a State development bank or State revenue would be provided for this purpose.

When the rent pressure zones were introduced the then Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, gave a commitment to put in place a commission on taxation to make recommendations for this year's budget aimed at helping and assisting those who are providing housing units in the private sector and preventing them from leaving the market. Initiatives were to be taken and incentives provided but the commission's deliberations or recommendations have not been published. With the budget imminent, time is running out.