Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Projected output is as follows: the 946 units under the headings of local authority construction and acquisition will be provided; there will be 440 units under the capital assistance programme; 150 under the heading of regeneration and remedial works; while under the heading of voids, the target is 1,000 units, but we expect to provide in excess of 2,500. I am sure all members will welcome such developments because of the quick turnaround involved, plus the fact that the units are new. Projected total output on the capital side is in excess of 4,036 units.

On social housing expenditure, including leasing and the RAS, we expect to deliver well in excess of 3,000 units. Under the housing assistance payment scheme, we expect to deliver well in excess of 7,000 units and that figure to be ramped up early next year. If one adds all of these figures, one will arrive at a total of 15,900 units. I have outlined the targets set and projected outcomes in 2015.

I have been asked about the spend of 62%, the highest amount spent on housing for many years. We have demanded that local authorities deliver on what we have asked them to do and the same applies to assisted housing bodies, AHBs, and everyone else who works in this area. We are constantly on their case. Our targets for 2016 are well in excess of those set for 2015.

Overall, with regard to current delivery mechanisms, including the RAS and leasing, we have come in under target. We aim to make up the bulk of the under-provision through the turnaround of additional voids on the capital side. We have decided to do this because we accept that there are issues with the rental market and that leasing is difficult in parts of the country. Therefore, we have concentrated more on voids on the capital side.

The remaining scheme is the HAP. Every effort is being made to meet the targets set. If we achieve a little less, we are confident that in the early weeks of next year we will be able to supplement the figure and deal with the matter because there are between 150 and 200 new cases a week. I expect that figure to rise as the scheme is rolled out. As many as 18 local authorities are participating in the scheme and as time progresses it will be extended to include more.

I want to answer specific questions posed by other Deputies. On the Shannon project-----