Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)

In Dublin South East over the past 18 months I have noticed an increasing number of flats being left vacant even though there is a massive demand for social housing. Social housing lists are under severe strain. In Dublin 2, Dublin 4, Dublin 6 and Dublin 8 there are more than 240 flats lying idle. At a conservative estimate, that would accommodate 500 people. This would cater for a significant number of individuals and families who could live in more suitable accommodation. At present, there are adults with two or three children living in a one-bedroom flat while they see a vacant two-bedroom flat next door. It appears that nothing is done with these properties. The people are obviously frustrated.

A person came to me recently and told me he was considering squatting. I cannot blame people for this. I would probably do the same if I was in his shoes. However, that will not solve the Minister's difficulties. The Minister has done a major job and allocated considerable funding. Some €7 million has been allocated to retrofitting voids and energy ratings, €2 million has been allocated to compliance with new rental standards and €1.7 million has been allocated for improvement works on flats. Under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, the management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, which is largely financed from internal resources, is a matter of for each housing authority. During the boom years, Dublin City Council used to employ contractors to improve the flats and subsequently allocate them. Now, times are different. BER statements are taking a considerable length of time and the local authorities are failing to certify flats. If the prospective tenant is willing to accept a flat in its current condition, it should be allocated on that basis. This would allow the accommodation and the housing stock to be used up. The Minister has developed initiatives to ease the pressure on the social housing list. I am not sure how much support he is getting from the local authorities. He has drawn up a range of measures to tackle the difficulties and challenges of the social housing lists.

It is not acceptable that some 240 flats in a very small area are lying idle and this matter should not be left to the council. That accommodation should be allocated as a matter of urgency. The Government should intervene and tell the manager that the job is not being done. I am not sure where the council spends money or whether it has been allocated enough money. However, a scheme should be set up so that an emergency fund is provided and Dublin City Council must meet certain targets before money is allocated to the council.

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