Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Murphy for her comments and I know she will contribute constructively to the hearings being held by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

The Government considered this morning the latest report from the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, on the question of the provision of adequate social housing for people who need housing. Obviously, this is related to the general problems of homelessness and demand for houses. The report concluded that there is a requirement for a new funding model for the provision of social housing and that it will not be possible to continue funding through the model that applied before - direct provision through local authorities. A new funding model will have to be created to deal with the scale and cost of what is involved. The report from NESC is timely. It feeds into the strategy being followed now by the Minister of State responsible for housing, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, in the provision of direct housing, the provision of money strictly for homeless people and the allocation of moneys to have almost 2,000 units that have been boarded up for some time occupied by families so they can be taken out of hotels and bed and breakfasts and given proper, warm and appropriate accommodation. I refer also to the question of the delivery, through NAMA and other agencies, of both ground and the opportunity to provide adequate housing for people. The House will be aware that €50 million was provided through the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government towards the provision of homelessness services in 2013. A similar investment is expected again this year. In addition, the health service spends €30 million providing care and supports for the homeless. Obviously, having emerged from a very difficult recession, very many people now regard this as a real issue. The Government recognises this. A central feature of the Government's focus this year is dealing with the construction sector. There is, of course, the opportunity for the private construction sector to step up to the mark in a way it has not been able to do in recent years and provide affordable, high-quality houses for people who need them at appropriate locations around the country. This is to prevent a repeat of the granting of planning permission in areas where it might not have been appropriate in many cases.

The Deputy's point is valid; it is recognised by the Government. Obviously, the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, is working very hard to make a real impact in this area.

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