Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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I thank the Minister for coming in. I welcome his comments on expanding Housing First next year. I ask him to look at making sure all the individuals who have been identified with higher support needs, including people who have been in emergency accommodation for a long period of time, are included in that. I agree with his comments to the effect that there will always be a need for some targeted acquisitions, especially for larger families or individuals and to plug particular gaps.

Acquisitions have been used towards the end of the year when direct-build construction targets were not met. Could the Minister comment on whether the annual budget process is part of the problem? Would multi-annual budgeting help with the planning and delivery of direct build units?

Regarding homelessness and the €60 million in the Estimates, the analysis of Professor Eoin O'Sullivan in Trinity College and Focus Ireland indicates there is not enough spent on prevention, long-term secure housing and Housing First. The Minister said the €60 million is to cover Covid-related costs. Is some of the €60 million for Covid prevention? How much of it is going towards long-term secure housing? Is it all emergency focused? Of the amount for emergency accommodation, how much is going to private providers? As the Minister will be aware, there are many concerns over and criticisms of some of the private providers. There have been reports of no-chatting rules being implemented by some of the accommodation providers. There are concerns over a lack of inspections, quality control and regulation. With regard to the Estimate and the extra money going to private providers, will there be measures to ensure basic standards are met? With regard to some of the private providers, people are being met by security guards rather than support workers. This needs to be looked into. There are also concerns that it has become harder to gain access to emergency accommodation because of a change to the thresholds. The Minister might address that.

I totally agree with the Minister's comments on public housing on public land. With regard to the proposal for Oscar Traynor Road lands, it would not mean public housing on public land. Fifty percent could well end up being used for build-to-rent units, and the State could then end up paying large amounts to landlords through housing assistance payments in respect of social housing on what is currently public land. I ask the Minister to consider that.