Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State would agree that there is a limited capacity for the Government to deliver direct builds, which would be the ideal solution. Her answer to me is the fallback position. Is there an impediment to local authorities drawing down this money, even at arm's length? If not, can that process be examined and developed quickly? We already have a significant housing deficit to the point that families are becoming homeless. Some 90,000 individuals or families are on the housing waiting lists, and the number is growing.

Not all of the €40 million that has been approved has been drawn down. When Dr. Michelle Norris appeared before our committee, she told us that up to €500 million was available and that funding was not an impediment. If so, drawing down the funding is the impediment. The housing associations claim to have the capacity to do the work if only they could overcome the obstacle presented by staying within the terms of charities legislation, under which they cannot make a loss. How will the Minister of State deal with this aspect of the matter?

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