Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy should at least have the honesty to acknowledge that fact.

We are using these resources to good effect. In the past three years, local authorities have started on average 5,100 units, 40% higher than the average number of units commenced between 1994 and 1997. During that period, the voluntary and co-operative sector supplied approximately 900 units per annum but this has increased by two thirds to average 1,500 units in more recent years. A total of 23,000 new units of social housing will commence between 2006 and 2008. Rather than crow from the benches, Opposition Members could join me in encouraging local authorities to meet or surpass their targets.

Further households will be assisted through the new rental accommodation scheme. The output of affordable housing in 2005 was double that between 1994 and 1997. A total of 15,000 units of affordable housing will be delivered between 2006 and 2008. Almost 100,000 households have benefited from various social and affordable housing measures over the past eight years. We are greatly expanding this provision and we expect 50,000 households to benefit from various social and affordable housing measures over the coming three years. Part V will make an increasing contribution to meeting these targets.

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