Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

A number of questions arise in that regard. I do not object to Deputy Boyd Barrett's objective. I am somewhat constrained but I must deal with reality. In the context of NAMA, a significant number of houses do not fall within the social housing provision. This week and early next week we will engage in a process to identify suitable housing. In the case of abandoned estates or where nobody is to be found we will enact appropriate legislation in the House to ensure that the State and citizens get a social dividend or benefit. I look forward to all-party support for the legislation, which would be novel.

I assure Deputy Finian McGrath that the housing strategy for people with disabilities sets out the framework for the proposed delivery of housing for people with disabilities through mainstream housing policy. That will inform the future development of local housing action plans. I will ensure it will be central to the review of social housing policy that will take place in the coming months. Notwithstanding the constraints on financial resources I have outlined we have maintained and increased the funding for the suite of housing adaptation grants and mobility grants that are available. They have been subject to review and we are getting good value for money in that regard.

My objective as Minister of State with responsibility for this area is to ensure that people get an opportunity to live in their home environment for as long as possible. We are creating jobs in that area for people on the live register. It is a win-win situation. I take cognisance of the points made by Deputy Stanley and look forward to a productive debate in that regard.

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