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

I agree with Deputy Collins that we have large housing waiting lists. Those housing waiting lists have been building up for many years, including during the Celtic tiger years when there was money around. Unfortunately, we are constrained in terms of funding. That is why we are adopting a flexible approach whereby we are delivering 5,000 units per year.

Deputy Collins asked a specific question about the HAP. People will pay a differential rent when they transfer to the HAP. It will be different to rent supplement. We will be getting rid of the poverty traps that exist under the rent supplement arrangement. This has generally been welcomed throughout the House.

Deputy Collins asked about private landlords and whether people in private accommodation could be subject to the whims of the landlord.

The Government is also amending the legislation under which the Private Residential Tenancies Board operates and this measure is going through the Oireachtas at present. The Government wishes to give as much security as possible to tenants in all situations, no matter who is their landlord, be it a local authority, a private landlord or an approved housing body. As for NAMA, it has been very slow and I have expressed my concern about the transfer being slow but it has speeded up this year. This is because what is called a special purpose vehicle has been put in place into which NAMA is gathering appropriate units and that is speeding up the process. This is the reason there has been a much more significant number this year than was the case last year, bringing the total from NAMA up to almost 400. The Department meets NAMA regularly and in so far as it can, it is putting on pressure to ensure delivery from NAMA. However, the Government is in a tight financial position and cannot spend money the State does not have. Nevertheless, I am as concerned as Deputy Joan Collins to ensure the needs of people who need housing support are addressed and this is the reason the Government is taking all the measures being taken.

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