Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Durkan for raising this item as it affords me an opportunity to once again confirm this Government's commitment to working with the voluntary and co-operative housing sector.

I would like to begin by reflecting on the successful relationship to date between my Department, local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative sector. Since the 1980s, we have together overseen the delivery of some 23,000 homes under the capital funding schemes. This partnership has thus been a very successful one, with homes provided to many of the more vulnerable members of our society.

As the Deputy is aware the voluntary and co-operative housing programme has been delivered through two main funding measures - the capital assistance scheme and the former capital loan and subsidy scheme. Both schemes are administered by housing authorities. The capital assistance scheme provides capital funding of up to 100% of the approved cost of accommodation for people with specific categories of need. The capital loan and subsidy scheme provided 100% funding for the provision of standard housing for low-income families and individuals in need of social housing. In all cases where 100% funding was availed of, all tenants must be drawn from the local authority housing waiting lists. Léim an Bhradáin, the project specifically raised by the Deputy, was funded under this scheme.

My Department is anxious to ensure that all projects funded under the capital funding schemes are operated and managed in accordance with the terms of the schemes. Approved housing bodies are required to enter into a legal agreement with the local authority, creating a mortgage charge on the dwellings provided under the schemes. This is to ensure that the accommodation is used in accordance with the terms of the funding schemes.

My Department is currently engaged with the Irish Council for Social Housing in framing a policy to improve all aspects of governance, including matters relating to the operation of the management and maintenance of housing units provided under the funding schemes. This work is ongoing.

This brings me to the matter raised by Deputy Durkan. I outlined to the House last July the requirements necessary for a body seeking funding under section 6 of the Housing Act 1992. Funding of more than €3 million was provided in 2000, under the former capital loan and subsidy scheme, for the provision of 32 houses at Easton Road, Leixlip by the approved body, Léim an Bhradáin.

My Department's primary role in relation to the provision of accommodation under the capital funding schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. It is responsible for the legislative basis for the schemes, annual budgeting and recoupment of expenditure to the local authority. It is a matter for the housing authority to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the schemes and to have in place suitable liaison arrangements to oversee the administration of the schemes in order to preserve the investment made in the dwellings provided.

Housing bodies are the de facto owners of the accommodation and, as such, are responsible for the proper management and maintenance of the dwellings. Approved bodies are eligible for an annual management and maintenance allowance of €543 per occupied dwelling. This allowance has not been paid to this association to date but I understand that an application with accompanying documentation, including a full rent review and audited accounts, is being examined by Kildare County Council. I will ask the council to ensure all accounts are in order and the rent charged complies with the terms and conditions of the scheme before a decision is taken to approve any additional funding.

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