Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Senator has put many valid questions so if I do not get to answer some now, I will respond to her directly. Her first question relates to the Bill I brought forward when I was in opposition that would allocate a portion of a development to first-time buyers. We are working through that as well. Like other legislation brought through, I advocated for this while I was in opposition and I am now effecting it as a member of the Government. It is one we are looking at to try to help people get on the housing ladder and own their own home.

The Senator sought clarity on social and affordable housing as it relates to the Part V provision. To be clear, the social housing provision is absolutely protected at 10%. I have said that time and again and that is the proposal. The addition would be for the provision of affordable stock, whether it is affordable purchase or a mix of affordable rent, if deemed appropriate. We should allow that to happen within that 10%. To be clear, the 10% level of social housing is absolutely protected. The 10% affordable on top is for new stock. That is the Part V work I have been doing and intend to implement, potentially as an amendment to the Bill. That is why I wanted to flag it to the committee.

On the question of social housing provision by local authorities, the target we set for this year will be affected by Covid-19. There is no doubt about that. We set a target of 12,750 new social or public homes to be delivered this year. I will have a better idea of the impact on building for the first few months of this year within the coming weeks. I will certainly report on a future visit to the committee on that. These are predominantly new builds. There are 9,500 brand new builds and 2,450 units to be leased. There is a role for leasing. This goes to having more up-front provision of homes on a capital basis, as only 30% of capital must be shown up-front. I understand the issues with long-term cost but it is about having a balance. We have a small amount of acquisition.

I am happy to talk to the Senator about Dolphin House separately. If she wants to write to me, we can look into it for her.