Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I do not accept the Deputy's suggestion that our performance in this respect is poor. The Deputy will note from the data available that the number of units has increased year by year. I explained the position about the Part 5 provision several times. It is a great idea and in time it will be a marvellous deliverer of social and affordable housing but, as we all know, it will take time for it to click in. It does not apply to planning permissions which existed prior to the introduction of the legislation. This year the figures are up on those of previous years. From now on we can expect a better dividend from the Part 5 provision. It will be proven in time to have been an innovative idea. The Deputy's party fought it tooth and nail at the time but I firmly believe in it. In time it will produce the goods in terms of social and affordable housing.

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