Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In that case, I misconstrued his comment.

Local authorities will not be left short where they present clear, realistic and deliverable social housing proposals that are in line with the social housing strategy. A further demonstration of the Government's commitment to the strategy is its decision to sanction the hiring of additional local authority staff to support the delivery of social housing. Where a social housing is unable to deliver social housing because it is short of staff, the Minister has agreed to provide staff to ensure there are no blockages in the system.

The recent announcement of new social housing building projects will address housing need and provide approximately 3,000 jobs in the construction sector. Not only will these projects provide support for people on housing waiting lists but they will also support jobs in the economy. There are signs that the economic recovery is taking hold. On the back of economic growth and with the implementation of the actions set out in the social housing strategy, the Government is optimistic that we will deliver on the targets we have set for social housing and this will have a significant impact on housing waiting lists.

People who are dependent on the local authority for housing also visit my constituency office. Local authorities can lease or buy properties. By pursuing this "build, buy and lease" approach, the Minister is ensuring that we do not have to wait for social housing units to be built.

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