John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

At around this time last year local authorities estimated there were 3,700 unsold affordable housing units so we have made some progress. My Department identified the problem and acted immediately, outlining a comprehensive range of measures designed to allow local authorities bring these units into early and effective use. Despite the fact that further stock has come into the system since then, usually under Part V, as mentioned by the Deputy, the prompt action taken has enabled local authorities to bring down very considerably the number of unsold affordable units to 1,100, as I stated in my reply.

One has to put this in some perspective. Thinking back, I remember some Private Members' debates on the social partners. Everybody wanted more affordable housing units. We were told that 10,000 units would be delivered under the affordable homes initiative and that 17,000 would be delivered between 2007 and 2009. The Deputy is aware of what has happened. The market collapsed and we had to act to deal with that issue. Under the circumstances, I believe we have made considerable progress.

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