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

Deputy Murnane O'Connor referred to the type of housing required in terms of bedrooms and units. For the first time under the national planning framework, the Department has a tool called the housing demands and needs assessment tool. That will shape the delivery plans of our local authorities regarding the type of housing required in specific jurisdictions and areas.

That will, hopefully, assist in alleviating the particular demand the Deputy quite rightly referenced. In terms of the allocations, and the Deputy rightly praised her local authority, there has been a huge increase. I know it can be frustrating to people but if I look back at where we were five years ago, we have increased the figure by 64%. We had 2,389 allocations last year of all types. I am talking about sensory, physical, mental health and different categories being catered for. It is still improving. I fully accept we have a long way to go but one can see the work being done on the ground and what is being delivered to people.

The Deputy raised a valid point in terms of forms and that is why we piloted a new medical and housing form this year in four local authorities, which was very successful. We have assessed it and made a few changes. We hope that from next month that form will be used throughout our local authority network. That will improve access for people to these important supports for those with disabilities. It has obviously been stress-tested and it is in plain English. I referenced in my previous contribution three main headline grants to support those with disabilities which we have put on one form and which is in plain English. Obviously, our disabled persons grants, DPG, are not means-tested for our local authority housing stock. A huge amount of work can be done delivering them on the ground. As a Deputy, I see, as I am sure the Deputy does, the various people who come into our clinics. One also sees many vulnerable people who have been looked after. What drives one on in politics is trying to address the demand. I refer to the gold-plated standard under the UN strategy which the Department is working very hard to try to achieve.

As I pointed out at the start, a €3.3 billion headline budget as outlined by increases in various sectors will hopefully bring about huge changes during the years ahead. Without sounding tone-deaf, I say that in terms of being under the pressures of Covid regulations throughout the construction sector.