Mr. Michael Cleary:

The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland encompasses not only planning and development surveyors and quantity surveyors, but also general practice surveyors. Some within that group do significant research on housing stock. On the point in respect of delivery, views vary not only on the amount we will need in the future, but also on the obsolescence rate. For example, buildings that are now 30 years old may need to be replaced. Even the numbers the NDFA referred to in terms of its delivery will not meet that level of demand. I made a note of three recent assessments of the obsolescence rate, as opposed to the immediate demand rate. They vary from a figure of 6,000 to a figure of 16,000. Some members of the SCSI would say it is closer to 6,000 and some would say it is closer to 16,000. If one picks any number within that range, one would still need a variety of mechanisms to deliver on the demand. From the society's point of view and from discussing the issue with our members, the NDFA's role in that delivery is essential because a mechanism is needed. We started from a standing start in that, as I said earlier, the market was in disarray, it took a long while to get going, and NAMA had to deal with the commercial elements first to inject life back into the industry. Approved housing bodies and other also play a role.

To respond to the Deputy's points, we see that the private and public sectors coming together, not only through the PPP process, can offer some real solutions. Going back to the query which was raised on costs and whether public procurement alone is a more efficient way to deliver an affordable cost rental model, the reality is that all processes should be tested. The private sector should be involved in delivery because it will deliver efficiencies and the public sector should also be involved. We are not discounting either.