Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----but the figures speak for themselves when it comes to employment.

In regard to housing, the approach to it has been spelt out clearly by the Minister, Deputy Coveney. We have more money, more input than ever before and more detailed work with various local authorities to provide housing. We accept the seriousness of the situation. That is why we have a Minister with particular responsibility for housing. The budget in that Department has increased more than the budget in any other Department in order to reflect the seriousness of the crisis. Today, €32 million will be announced to deal with the repair and leasing scheme and local authorities will work around the country to make sure that more properties are available for those in need of housing. Also this week, the four Dublin local authorities have confirmed that we will meet a point that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, has said, namely, that children and families will not be using hotels in the Dublin area. It has been confirmed by the four local authorities that this will be addressed by mid this year.

What have a targeted social plan. The Deputy spoke about 8,500 units. There are 8,500 social housing units currently being built across the country, with 509 different organisations engaged in different projects delivering those houses. That is real, it is happening on the ground and it is about providing housing. It is about making sure that we can deal with the huge demand for housing that exists. We have new people coming into the country and families looking for housing. We accept the seriousness of the situation. That is why it has been a priority for the Government That is why the budget is there to deliver and why so many different units across the country, local authority, public and private providers, are delivering those houses.

Just as the jobs have been delivered over the past few years and the target in that regard has been met and exceeded, we will meet the housing targets which have been outlined but this takes time, as everybody recognises. The plans are under way, the money is there, the budget has been allocated and the matter has been prioritised by Government.

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