Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I am aware of the points and recommendations made in the NESC report. Those who compiled the report studied the situation and came up with a consensus view. However, it is a major decision for Government whether the level of social housing output can be increased to that degree over the next seven or eight years. The Government will consider the issue.

Deputy Gilmore is correct to the extent that there have been three reports and that I have said on previous occasions that decisions would be made when those reports were received. That has not happened over the past four weeks. It will be done, however, although it will take a while. The NESC report contained a number of key recommendations, including an endorsement of the overall strategy and thrust of Government housing policy.

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