Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Gilmore.

Taking account of these exclusions, it is estimated that the maximum level of total supply that would attract a Part V obligation is between 10% and 12%, or roughly 7,000 units at current total housing output levels. An agreement under Part V may include options other than the provision of housing units, and Members would be aware of that detail. I mention this detail because there have been attempts to distort the factual position regarding Part V. In fact, I listened to somebody — not a Member of this House, I hasten to add, but a person from an NGO — state recently that there were about 80,000 houses built last year and that should mean 20,000 under Part V. Clearly, the spokesperson in question was not good at mathematics and obviously had a poor understanding of the meaning of Part V.

It will take a number of years for Part V to fulfil its potential. As I have stated, planning permissions pre-dating Part V must be built out, including some major developments with ten-year planning permissions. Nevertheless, Part V output is gathering momentum. By the end of June 2005, 1,294 housing units were acquired under Part V arrangements, comprising 485 social units and 809 affordable units. Over 700 social units and almost 1,500 affordable units are in progress and some 2,500 units were earmarked for acquisition at end of June 2005. The transfer of 17 pieces of land and 169 partially or fully serviced sites has been effected. Over €18 million has been received in payments in lieu and under the withering levy. These moneys are ring-fenced and must be expended on housing capital projects, a matter on which I, and I am sure Members, feel strongly.

There is a need for a broad range of mechanisms to respond to the diverse range of housing needs. Since 1997, the social and affordable housing needs of some 86,000 households have been met through various measures. The Government's continuing commitment to the delivery of strong social and affordable housing programmes is evidenced by the record levels of funding we are committing to these measures. This year the total housing provision, Exchequer and non-Exchequer, will be over €2 billion, which is more than double the 2000 spend and more than five times the 1995 spend. Over 13,000 households throughout Ireland will be assisted through various social and affordable housing measures this year. This is a sizeable increase in the numbers of individuals and families benefiting from the investment put into place by the Government.

I am strongly committed to ensuring the resources set aside by Government help the maximum number of households. Local authorities have a key role in delivering on this objective. Housing is a local issue, and rightly so. Local authorities must respond to the nature and extent of local need by devising and implementing appropriate programmes within the resources made available. Some are more successful than others in this, particularly in their own social housing programmes.

To create a strong framework for delivery, we have required local authorities to put in place five-year action plans to ensure a more holistic and integrated approach to social and affordable housing provision. We have also introduced multi-annual capital envelopes to support these plans. As a result of these measures, activity on social housing has increased, with some 10,000 houses in progress by the end of June last. Some authorities that comparatively lagged behind over the past ten years are now showing signs of substantial progress. There are still some local authorities that need to improve their performance. I will continue to monitor progress and will make available, particularly to local councillors, an indication of where individual councils stand.

Improving services requires both investment and ongoing reforms to ensure resources are applied in an efficient, effective and equitable way. Some challenges for the future and issues needing consideration were raised by the National Economic and Social Council report. We are developing further responses to NESC and I propose to issue a new statement on housing policy soon that will set further directions for the medium term. In the meantime, we made important advances on the new initiatives announced in June, including the establishment of the Affordable Homes Partnership.

My focus will build on the achievements to date and continue to promote housing supply at levels required to meet demand, to supply record levels of affordable housing, to modernise and develop the private rented sector, to roll-out a strong programme of investment in social housing and to improve service and performance.

The Government has a strong record on housing. We will not merely rest on our laurels. There is no room for complacency. We will press ahead with existing and new programmes to provide the best housing responses to Ireland's dynamic economy and society. That is a challenge for my Department. It is a challenge for the agencies associated with my Department. It is a challenge for us all. We are making available the resources to ensure the sector continues to develop and with the help and support of local authorities, and local authority members, we will achieve the kind of outcome we all seek.

I thank Deputy Gilmore for his consideration.

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