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

We provided an additional 360 staff alone across local authorities. I met with both chief executives in the Deputy's area - Cork city and county - earlier today. The market out there is pretty hot for people. Vacancies are not filled as quickly as they would have been because we have nearly full employment in the country, but many of the roles have been filled. Sanction is given. I reiterated to the County and City Management Association, CCMA, today that where additional resources are required, particularly in this area and the area of vacancy, we would provide them based on them delivering on the targets they have been set. Cork city and county are exceeding their targets there at present.

Following this meeting, I will restate the over and underoccupancy. That is issued in guidelines. I have no difficulty doing that on the basis of the Deputy's suggestion.

The Deputy is correct that his party looked for a tenant in situscheme that looked to purchase 900 properties. I am glad to say Government is exceeding that substantially now where we have approximately 2,800 at different stages. Everyone is supportive of this. I want to see it continue into next year. Certainly, we can improve it as it moves forward and we are open to providing additional resources where they are requested.