Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I assure her that the Government is determined to tackle and resolve the housing crisis, as shown by the budget of €3.3 billion, a record budget, in the Department. We have a huge hill to climb, however. The reality, as seen from the new housing needs and demands assessment, is that there is a requirement for 33,000 units per annum. I am very conscious that no construction is going on in this country. Therefore, there is a huge gap for the Government to fill. We are willing, ready and able to fill it. As a result of the new builds the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, is arranging, through the LDA and the affordable housing legislation, the Deputy will see housing unlocked and people getting the opportunity to own their own home.

In a moment, I might ask Ms Feeney to add to the points in the strategy. The strategy was extended under Rebuilding Ireland and it is not being delayed. We want to go through a very robust consultation process this year to ensure we bring in all the stakeholders concerned. I am aware that we are dealing with very vulnerable people and we need to ensure they have an opportunity to have a say on the policy that will shape their lives and housing options in the future. We need a strong strategy to go forward with.

The Deputy mentioned a case, which I will not go into because I cannot refer to any particular cases, but there are a number of options for people with disabilities in terms of funding streams through the local authorities. The schemes are very robust. There is significant uptake. Where there are pressures in local authority areas, demand is so strong on the ground. That is why we have consistently increased the allocation over the past five years to give people a choice of independent living, which is so important to us and which is enshrined in the programme for Government.

Let me refer to the various allocations. The housing adaptation grant for people with a disability gives up to €30,000 to cover up to 95% of the works. Under the mobility aids grant scheme, applicants may obtain quickly a fund of €6,000, which may cover 100% of the cost of the works. This is to try to give people assistance, where they need it, to live in their own home. That is notwithstanding the disabled person's grant for works on local housing authority stock, together with all the various construction works and acquisitions under the capital advance leasing scheme, the capital assistance scheme and local authority-led housing policy. There is a large number of areas.

The demand for housing for the disabled on the national list amounts to 8%. The Department allocates an average of 12%. Therefore, we are outpacing demand and trying to deliver solutions in a very challenging environment. We are doing our very best in that regard. I have heard the points the Deputy made. I ask Ms Feeney to comment on the current position on the strategy and our sense of urgency in bringing all agencies on board in respect of it.