Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I agree with Deputy Helen McEntee, as I think we all do, that we need to have a strong and robust building control and regulatory system to guard against past mistakes in terms of shoddy building practice, an issue which has been examined and debated by the committee. We have all seen people who have been affected by the matter.

A sum of €10 million was allocated to the pyrite remediation scheme in 2015, of which €7.8 million has been drawn down to date. We expect the full amount, or very near to it, to be drawn down by year end as current remediation projects are completed. I acknowledge the role played by Deputy Helen McEntee in the scheme and her positive engagement and work in this regard. The good news for 2016 in terms of pyrite remediation is that €19 million will be provided in the Revised Estimates which will be published in the next couple of weeks. It is estimated that remediation works cost €50,000 to €60,000 per unit. As the number of projects is being ramped up - it is being ramped up substantially - we expect demand to increase as progress is being made. Adequate provision is being made in the 2016 Estimates, with the figure of €19 million being allocated. The Government and the Department are committed to funding and will continue to fund pyrite remediation projects where approvals are made.

On the overall debate on the provision of housing, a question was asked about the role of NAMA and its contribution. NAMA identified in excess of 6,500 housing units which could be used for social housing. Demand was confirmed by local authorities for more than 2,500 units, of which more than 1,600 have been delivered. There is ongoing engagement between NAMA and local authorities to finalise further deals and contracts for the remaining number of units that have been confirmed as being needed, that is, approximately 1,000 units. NAMA is making a substantial contribution to social housing provision and engagement will continue in the regard.