Mr. David Kelly:

I want to make a distinction. Local authorities are responsible for the administration of the service. When a family presents to a local authority, it responds very quickly to provide accommodation and supports. As Ms Hayes mentioned earlier, most families move from emergency accommodation to housing more quickly than single adults. The report on the fourth quarter shows the statistics on this. Most families move out within a 12-month period. Obviously this is still a long time and we would like it to be quicker.

The increased delivery of housing will support quicker exists but the actual assessment and placement will be a matter for the local authority.