John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste answered a number of questions I did not ask. Picking up on the point she made, it is important that local authorities are given the additional staff to fast-track and deliver the housing programmes they are expected to do. The Tánaiste referred to vacant properties. Most local authorities are now improving their record in turning them around. However, in the budget the Government failed to deal with vacant properties in the private sector. The Government committed €6 million to deliver 150 properties. There are over 40,000 vacant properties in the greater Dublin area. There is not enough emphasis on fast delivery for those families who are homeless at the moment.

I specifically did not ask about pillar 3. I outlined the case of a family in a hotel for an extended period. I indicated that if the first two actions of pillar 1 were being implemented effectively, the people I represent and referred to would have a far greater chance. The first action was that 200 units of rapid-build accommodation would be provided in quarter 4 of 2016. Where do we stand on that specific commitment? The second commitment related to the HAP homeless pilot, which was to deliver 550 tenancies in quarter 4 of 2016. Those two specific initiatives would address the plight of the family I am asking about. It is not pillar 3 - the long term - but the immediate issues to deal with those people who have been in temporary accommodation for a long time.

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