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

Progress is being made. The establishment of the special purpose vehicle has speeded up the process.

The Minister and I met representatives from NAMA on a number of occasions and this resulted in the establishment of the special purpose vehicle, which, as already stated, is speeding up the process. The houses in question will go to people who are on social housing lists. However, they must be located in places which local authorities deem to be suitable for the people on their lists. This is why the process to which I refer is being undertaken.

As a result of what has happened to the economy, there is only a certain amount of public money that can be spent through capital projects in the context of acquiring properties. We must use the means and moneys at our disposal in order to provide housing for those who, as the Deputy correctly states, are on social housing lists and need to be housed. This is one of the many mechanisms we are using to find houses for those in various areas throughout the country who require them. Matters have not moved as fast as I would have desired but we have recently been able to speed up the process as a result of the establishment of the special purpose vehicle. I am of the view that the latter will assist us in quickening the pace even further.

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