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

I have arranged to meet the directors of services for housing in the near future. One of the issues that I want to discuss with them is the provision of housing, but also the issue of voids, which was raised in last night's debate, and how to ensure that local authorities reallocate empty houses more quickly. Some of what I heard about a particular local authority closing houses for more than two years was shocking. I want to put a stop to that process so as to ensure provision.

I also want to meet the approved housing bodies, AHBs, on a regular basis to help them however we can in accessing funding. The capital advance leasing facility, CALF, provides for 25% of the cost, but AHBs must raise the remainder. In the next week or two, I will announce 100% funding under the capital assistance scheme, CAS, for voluntary organisations' provision of housing for older people, homeless persons and people with disabilities.

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