Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

It is expected that the €24 million allocated for this year will be spent fully. Steps are being taken by both Departments, local authorities and community welfare services to ensure this. The funds being transferred are and will be used to roll out the RAS. The scheme is not rent supplement by another name because it provides more permanent, negotiated accommodation, including long-term accommodation, whereas the RAS, by definition, provides short-term accommodation. There is now more security in attempting to provide permanent accommodation for so many. We are confident the target of accommodating 10,000 by the end of the year will be met.

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