Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)

We are all aware that the housing list is growing year on year, with an associated cost for the rent supplement scheme to the Exchequer. The Minister mentioned that he met Mr. Brendan McDonagh, whom I listened to recently when he spoke at a conference. I do not want to misrepresent what he said but he indicated that the State would be offered first refusal on NAMA properties in commercial terms. That is my understanding but is that shared by the Minister? It certainly was not the wider understanding of the people and the view is that NAMA is handling many of these properties, many of which are vacant and close to being finished out at a small cost. Where do we stand with NAMA and will it have to operate on strictly commercial terms with the State with regard to social housing?

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