Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 was commenced with effect from 1 September and this revises the earlier arrangements on social and affordable housing to maximise the delivery, building and construction of social housing units.

With regard to financing social housing, we have put in place a significant Exchequer kick-start of €2.2 billion for budget 2015. These are practical decisions made by the Government to resolve this problem. Work is already under way on site selection for a €300 million public private partnership programme to build 1,500 social housing units. Work is progressing on a strategic housing fund, with €400 million of public investment for the acquisition and development of social housing. The social housing proposals clearing house group, which was established under the strategy, is considering investment proposals and has examined approximately 25 to date. We are working on this. We are delivering on this agenda. Yes, it is a serious issue for the Government and is absolutely being addressed in that context. We need to return to the building of social housing by local authorities. That is completely correct but we also need to ensure that, where possible, and I think it is possible, we bring the private sector element and contribution into play also. Action is taking place on all fronts - not just talk but action.

See this speech in context