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

I have listened to the Deputy in respect of the local authority areas with the longest waiting lists and the most urgent problem. I said that in allocating funding, we will put a major focus on those local authorities. We will announce funding in the relatively near future in respect of housing construction and the provision of social housing. Rental caps are the responsibility of the Department of Social Protection but we are working on the introduction of the housing assistance payment. Of the 90,000 people on waiting lists, about half of them are in receipt of rent supplement. We are moving as quickly as possible. My officials had a meeting with the Department of Social Protection officials this morning in respect of homelessness and the implementation of the recommendations of the oversight group. I will bring proposals to Government shortly. It concerns integrating across Departments, including the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment, Community Local Government.

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