John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his kind comments. In the committee of which we were both members, the level of agreement on the direction housing policy needed to take was striking. In my answer, there was no attempt to say anything other than that hubs are a temporary arrangement, albeit a much better arrangement than B&B and hotel accommodation. I reiterate that these facilities must meet fire standards and planning requirements. I will endeavour to get specific answers from the Department about the changes that must take place in the Bargaintown warehouse in the Deputy's constituency. Suffice to say that if upwards of €3 million is earmarked for it, as was suggested by the Deputy, it would indicate that there will be significant adjustments to that particular building but I will endeavour to get a specific answer.

There are approximately 10,000 new social housing units in the production pipeline from planning stages, to design stages to accommodation being built, finished and opened. I will be doing a bit of this tomorrow in Urlingford in County Kilkenny. We can all agree that it is not quick enough but it would be unfair to say that significant progress has not been made. Even in respect of temporary accommodation of people in hotels and B&Bs, the fact that the number of people in such accommodation has dropped from 870 to 647 in the past couple of months shows that there is a significant movement in the right direction. It will take more time before this figure of 647 is reduced and eliminated. There is an obligation on the Government and the housing authorities to ensure that those families who find themselves in this emergency receive better treatment than being put into a B&B or hotel. I will endeavour to get a direct answer regarding the issue in the Deputy's constituency.

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