Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I concur with what the Deputy stated in his initial contribution about previous strategies. Previous Administrations effectively stopped building social housing. That was wrong. This matter must and will be addressed. We are going to recommence building social housing and will provide a significant number of units. I have been challenged - for the remainder of the Government's term of office - with ensuring the conditions necessary to facilitate this will be created. As stated, 6,000 units are due to be delivered by the end of the year. A few months ago the Government issued a restatement of its priorities and if he consults it, the Deputy will note that housing is one of our top priorities. We will deliver on our promises in this regard. The social housing strategy will be published in the coming weeks and, as part of it, we will use every avenue possible in order to ensure the level of social housing provision will be increased. We will also use every funding mechanism at our disposal in the interests of ensuring we will have the capital necessary to allow us to provide housing units.

There is an urgent issue with regard to housing in Dublin and other urban centres. The demographics for those who require social housing have changed dramatically. Over 70% of those included are single people, single people with one or two children, etc. We must address that matter in the context of the houses we build and where we build them.

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