Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As Minister of State with responsibility for housing, my main objective is to provide options for people in the context of fairness and choice using the various vehicles at our disposal. NAMA is a player in this regard. The Deputy referred to the 80:20 scheme. We also engage with people through the social housing scheme. A social dividend has been written into the NAMA legislation. NAMA also has a commercial mandate. However, I believe its commercial mandate and social dividend can tie in with each other, resulting in a win-win situation in terms of the role given to NAMA under the legislation.

The Deputy's suggestions should and will be brought to the attention of NAMA. In terms of policy, the relevant Minister is the Minister for Finance. I will also bring the Deputy's suggestion to his attention. The Minister, Deputy Hogan, and I also meet with NAMA in regard to the transfer of social houses. NAMA has decided to establish a special purpose vehicle in order to speed up that process. The Deputy's suggestion is worthy of consideration. What we all want to achieve is as many options as possible for people who need a home. There is much merit in the Deputy's proposal, for which I thank him.

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