Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There has been a significant increase in the level of activity under all social programmes. The number of people who will be accommodated under those programmes in the coming year is 21,000, an increase from 14,000 two years ago. There is an intensification of efforts in this regard and it is delivering in terms of supply. The concept of extending the homeless HAP scheme beyond the current areas is under active consideration by the Minister and it is hoped to do so later in the year.

On rental reviews, the Minister will examine the effectiveness of the relevant measures based on the evidence. We need to get supply moving and focus on the initiatives in the areas of purchase, rapid build, the homeless HAP scheme and so on. Those measures offer a particular targeted intervention for the categories of persons about whom we are especially concerned, namely, the 1,200 families living in hotel-type accommodation. Those are areas of intense concern and the Minister is focused on delivering for the families concerned.

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