Mr. John O'Connor:

I thank the Chairman and members for the opportunity to present to the Committee of Public Accounts today on the 2017 financial statements and the work of the Housing Agency. The Housing Agency works with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, local authorities, approved housing bodies and others in the public and private sectors in meeting the current and future housing needs and demands. For example, in the last few weeks, the Housing Agency has provided an apartment building to one of the homeless charities; has concluded an agreement to deliver a large housing project for Dublin City Council; and has finalised an agreement to deliver 155 housing and apartments for social and affordable rental housing on Housing Agency land in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

The Housing Agency supports direct delivery initiatives such as the acquisition of vacant properties from banks centrally through the use of a €70 million revolving fund. A total of 487 properties have been acquired to date. The agency also sources properties and potential developments for local authorities and AHBs. It addresses homelessness by acquiring and refurbishing vacant properties for permanent accommodation, including suitable homes for families and for the Housing First initiative. The agency sources properties for family hubs and supported temporary accommodation. It works with NAMA and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in the acquisition of properties from NAMA's loan portfolio. A total of 2,475 houses and apartments have been delivered to date. The agency provides procurement services for local authorities and AHBs. It manages and develops sites that it owns. It centrally supports the implementation of the housing strategy for people with disabilities.

The Housing Agency undertakes a significant amount of work in research and supporting policy development. Specifically, it prepares the annual summary assessment of housing need report and the national statement on housing supply and demand. The agency works on supporting affordability measures through the central management of specific schemes such as the mortgage to rent scheme, the underwriting of local authority Rebuilding Ireland home loan applications and the provision of support for the Department as it develops affordable housing purchase arrangements and a cost rental scheme. It provides the interim regulatory function for AHBs and is working in partnership with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government towards the transition to a statutory regulation. The agency remediates homes under the pyrite remediation scheme and has remediated 1,237 homes to date.

The primary objective of the Housing Agency is to promote the building of sustainable communities that last in places that are well planned. We promote the development of good quality housing in places where people want to live and have opportunities. The four key features of good housing are security, quality, affordability and appropriateness. Our housing stock needs to be appropriate in size and accessible. The location of housing should meet current and future needs. The Housing Agency has undertaken a great deal of additional work in the past two years to assist in dealing with the significant housing challenges we face. We are committed to ensuring financial probity, good governance structures and efficient measures are in place to meet the remit and objectives of the Housing Agency.

I thank the Comptroller and Auditor General and his staff for their assistance and courtesy during the conducting of the audit. I also thank the Chairman and the other members of the committee for their attention. I will answer questions they may have.