Ms Ann Marie O'Connor:

Yes, that would be correct. We have 17 local authorities currently carrying out the survey. It is a map-based mobile app that has been developed by our geographic information system, GIS, team in the Department's data unit. We can add to the information that it collects but all local authorities now have the app. They enter a photograph of the property, information on the property, and that database is being developed to capture information on activity and outcomes relating to those properties.

It is being rolled out. Training has been rolled out to all the vacant homes officers, VHOs, and other teams in the local authorities. The town regeneration officers will also use this data. By the end of the year I think we would have that. Things are constantly changing. Everything is point-in-time here, so the figures will change but that is what we are building at the moment.