Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In terms of our own figures on the capital side for housing, we are at 74% spend for the year, which is dramatically up on where we might have been this time last year. This is because we are ramping up our programmes in terms of delivery for build, acquisition and everything else that we are hoping to do in respect of social housing. Traditionally, capital spend drawdown can be lumpy in any year. It would not necessarily be smooth over each month or each quarter but as we ramp up and as people become more familiar with the programmes and draw down their funding, we are actually finding a more even drawdown on the capital side. We are on target to spend our money this year, according to the figures that we have up to October or November.

Regarding the subhead for housing inclusion and Traveller accommodation, we are working to increase the spends and the supports for local authorities to deliver and to support Traveller needs. There will be an increased budget in 2018, from €9 million to €12 million, is important. It is equally important that we make sure that funding is delivered effectively and efficiently to meet those needs.

The LIHAF from central government is ring-fenced in the capital programme but it will not necessarily have been drawn down by the end of the year. Some of it will be drawn down this year but, obviously, the full €50 million will not be drawn down. However, that funding will be protected. It is important to note that 28 of the 34 programmes that have been signed off are already at design stage, so work is already progressing. The work is under way. Whether the money is actually called upon within the next month or two does not really matter, so long as work is progressing and is not delayed by the fact that money has not been drawn down yet. When it needs to be drawn down, it will be.

We are going to catch up on current expenditure. Obviously, a big part of that will be the Irish Water refunds programme which cannot commence until the Bill becomes law. We hope that refunds will commence next week and we hope to get almost all refunds paid out before the end of the year.