Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is the anniversary of the social housing strategy and I have confidence in that strategy. We will provide 946 units this year because we have to take into account acquisition and building. In many parts of the country, dare I say in some midlands areas, which Deputy Cowen and I represent, it makes more sense to buy where there are vacant properties and we are not able to supply, than to build. The Deputy asked about the cap as he has asked before. The €30,000 cap is required but many local authorities come in under that. They are required to maintain their stock. They can supplement the funding with their own resources and many do if they need to go over the cap. Voids in different areas, even within one local authority jurisdiction, can cost different amounts. They are a contribution to the local authorities to maintain their stock rather than a continuous payment to maintain it. The local authorities are expected to maintain their stock. They use their own resources and we give them up to €30,000 to be able to do so. Some do it very well, some less well. Some are turning around an incredible volume of voids, particularly in Dublin city, where there have been 800.

The Deputy has asked on numerous occasions about the tenant purchase scheme and I was glad to be able to put together a plan to bring it about. It is quite comprehensive. By anyone’s analysis it is pretty fair.

"Yes" is the answer to the Deputy's next question. The funds raised will remain with the local authorities to use as they see fit. They could add them to the €30,000 for voids.