John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will focus on leasing, to which there is some ideological opposition. In my book, I have always said that any unit that can be secured for an individual or a family that gives them secure accommodation for a period of 20 or 25 years is far preferable to someone being in an unsecure HAP property. I note from the figures that South Dublin County Council delivered 353 leased units between 2017 and 2021, Fingal delivered 388 between 2019 and 2021. The councils have 290 units and 354 units, respectively, for delivery between now and 2025, albeit that the tap has already been turned off in respect of the councils' ability to be able to enter into new leasing arrangements. The committee will be compiling a report in this regard with a number of recommendations. In a question I have asked of other local authorities, do the witnesses believe that a reintroduction of that leasing scheme would be a preferential option in getting more properties into their stock during the delivery period up to the end of 2025 and beyond? Perhaps Ms Farrelly could answer first.