Mr. Frank Curran:

In recent years, our focus has been on developing social housing units. Since 2016 up to quarter 3 of 2020, we built approximately 6,400 units, acquired 6,600 and assisted the AHBs in building 5,500. In the same period, AHBs acquired approximately 3,500 units. There were 2,800 homes delivered through Part V and 4,500 leases. These numbers are significant. Currently, 15,000 dwellings are under construction and the target is 10,000 per year over the next five years and a further 2,500 leases.

It is a very ambitious programme in terms of social housing delivery. Right now, through the housing delivery and co-ordination office, we are assessing the land local authorities have to deliver those 10,000 social units. We are also assessing demand for affordable housing units. We are working with the Department in this regard. We are looking at the staff local authorities will require to deliver on this ambitious programme of social and affordable housing and what land we need to acquire. We will be going out to acquire this land.