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

I agree with the Deputy that we need to give as much public information as possible. We certainly sought to do that and I put out a press statement in this regard. I hope the Deputy's raising of the issue today will give further information. I would encourage all public representatives to inform their constituents that the scheme is coming to an end. If people are interested, they should apply before the end of the year. Given that the length of time somebody has been in a local authority house is much more weighted in the old scheme than it will be in the new scheme, it is important people who have been in a house for a long time are aware the scheme is coming to an end.

With regard to the voluntary sector, at this stage I do not have any definite information but I will certainly come back to the Deputy when we have formulated particular proposals on that. Obviously, once we start drafting the legislation, we will have a lot more definite information with regard to the new scheme.

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