Mr. John Mulholland:

I thank Senator Clonan for the question. Unfortunately I cannot answer the detail about individual housing authorities. I do not have that information but 18 to 20 years seems like a considerable amount of time. However, the timeframe for Laois County Council is a lot shorter than that. Our housing delivery action programme - all local authorities have produced one in the past year - sets a target of 10% for housing people with disabilities. That was achieved and in Laois we have achieved up to 35% in the past three years. That is an indication of what can be done locally. I do not know the figures for Wicklow or Carlow. The Senator asked whether we have any data on that. I am not aware whether we have a breakdown to that level of detail. It may be available. I will refer the question to my colleagues in the housing subcommittee of the CCMA and pass the information to the committee if it is available.

I will use Laois as an example again with regard to applicants. Approximately 250 of our applicants are classified as having physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disabilities. As the housing list comprises 1,800 people it is perhaps 15% of the total number. As the committee will be aware, the demand for social housing is significant in these times and many local authorities are achieving quick turnover for people on the housing list who have disabilities. I cannot speak to the example the Senator has given, as I am sure he understands. If I receive the information, I will pass it on to the Chair.