Mr. Frank Curran:

There was a question on the priority method for providing homes.

Social own-build housing on our own land is a priority. We will also have Part V, PPPs, mixed tenure units and advance purchase of uncommenced units with planning permission but a priority for social is direct build.

In terms of affordable housing, in the long run it will be construction of mixed tenure. As Senator Cummins mentioned, there is advance purchase of uncommenced units so we are working through that with developers to get affordable delivery in the short term.

I will respond to the question asking what funding commitments are in place. Social and affordable targets are fully funded under Housing for All. Under the affordable housing fund, up to €100,000 is available for units but that depends on density. On the approved housing sector, as mentioned earlier, CALF is the main delivery stream with, generally, a 30% payment upfront and a payment and availability, P&A, over 20 years so the programme is fully funded.

Are we free to raise finance? Yes, generally through the Housing Finance Agency and, generally, for land by borrowing at a very low interest rate.

Will we prioritise own builds? There are between 9,000 and 10,000 units built each year. Leasing is decreasing and is only 2,500 units over the programme. Acquisitions are generally only for four-bed units, one-bed units or where there is a need in respect of a particular disability, etc. Certainly our own builds are prioritised for the next number of years.

Are we clear about affordability and how the price will be calculated, etc? The scheme will be out in the next number of weeks. There would have been engagement with all chief executives, directors of services and practitioners on the ground. People understand that the affordable sale price will be a minimum 15% below the market value. The percentage housing equity is a minimum of 5% and a maximum 40%, which will be confirmed under regulations. The minimum sales prices is the all-in cost of development less the affordable housing fund. There will be a variable sales price depending on the household's ability to borrow. The affordable housing fund is a density-based grant that ranges between €50,000 and €100,000. Loans are available according to the macroprudential rules and the local authority home loan. There will be a national scheme of priorities with 70% but that is depending on the regulations to come, and it will be first come, first served with 30% to be determined locally, etc. Engagement has been ongoing with the Department. Chief executives and directors of services are familiar with that. They know what is coming down the track and we would have been consulted on that.

The target for this year is 9,000 units. We are confident we will achieve that but earlier we mentioned the challenges such as construction price inflation, materials, the supply chain, skills, etc. We need to be cognisant of that but we are confident that we will reach this year's target and the targets for the next five years that have been set out in the housing delivery plans and Housing for All.