Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I expect there to be some adjustment to the figure of 56,000, and that figure will be available in the coming weeks. It is important to note that there are various ways in which people's housing needs are met other than via the social housing programme, including the voluntary housing programme, the rental accommodation scheme and the new long-term leasing scheme. The resources available this year will allow for 7,000 social housing units to be acquired by local authorities and the voluntary sector, including the roll-out of the new long-term leasing arrangement. Funding for the rental accommodation scheme has increased from €51 million to €90.5 million in 2009, an increase of 77%. In all, the needs of some 19,500 households were met in 2008 through the full range of social and affordable housing measures. It is expected that a similar level of housing need will be met in 2009. This equates to a 32% increase on the 2006 provision. I expect to meet the targets for 2009.

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