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

There is a need to allow discretion to local authorities in the purchase of vacant properties. They are embarked on a significant purchase of a tenant in situproperty. In some instances, it will be that a local authority - I get these queries too - will say it has its quota or quotient of social housing in this area and that it needs a mix, such as some affordable, cost-rental or whatever. This scheme is to secure people's tenancies.

We have been offered some multi-unit developments which is where some may be vacant and some may be occupied. We will be buying some of them as well, which means we will be able to let out those additional vacant apartments. It makes sense probably to buy the lot where we can because then we can manage it all at once.