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

As I stated previously, I am reviewing the scheme to ensure the limits are correct and it is being used in the best way possible. While maximum spending limits apply in the schemes - the limit is up to €30,000 in one of the schemes - the average cost of works is much lower than the maximum limits. This indicates that local authorities are showing a good deal of flexibility. We have asked the local authorities not to suspend the processing of applications in case urgent cases arise. We want them to have a rolling system for processing applications rather than stopping schemes when they begin to run out of money. We also asked them to do this at the end of last year because there will always be cases that must be prioritised.

As I indicated, we have some additional moneys that can be allocated this year. As the Deputy noted, there are two funding streams, one for local authority houses and the other for private houses. I accept Deputy Crowe's point on the need to get a handle on whether the system is fair across local authorities and whether some local authorities have larger waiting lists than others. We hope the review will provide more information in that regard.

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