Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

This is a big issue across most local authorities, with the scale of the problem differing across areas and particularly in some of the very large working class areas in Limerick or Ballymun. I heard the Minister of State's comments about Limerick's turnover but in south Tipperary, the turnover time is unacceptable. The Minister of State should address the problem as it is scandalous for the process to take so long. In many working class areas in Finglas, Ballymun and other parts of the city, the turnover can be anything from two or three months. There are even cases where properties have been tied up for a year or more.

Will the Minister of State consider whether local authorities need more money? He has outlined some of the issue but there is a question about delivering the properties much more quickly. We cannot afford to have them lying empty as that can lead to anti-social behaviour. Properties are boarded up and left sitting without being let. We must turn them over more quickly. The Minister of State mentioned a figure of €31 million but certain local authorities need an extra bit of help.

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