Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The budget provided €344 million for that area. I do not call €344 million bugger all. There is, however, a real problem and we have to explore different ways of addressing it. One of the strong ways of engaging is through the local authorities. Too many homes belonging to local authorities are boarded up and it has been a key priority over the past weeks and months to ensure homes that have been blocked up or steel framed by local authorities are put back to use. Prior to moving Departments to become the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan made substantial funds available as the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, as has the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly. We are following that up with the local authorities to ensure homes that are currently boarded up come on stream.

It is true that we need to consider short, medium and long-term options. I want to see a concentration in the medium term on provision of affordable social housing across the country. The beginning of that can be seen in the recent budget. I am aware that Deputy Wallace has strong views on this matter, similar to mine, but I want to make sure this is delivered on. I believe the Deputy will see it being delivered in the coming months.

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