Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That means the funds have been allocated but there is no scheme to match them. The Government is continuing to deliberate on devising a scheme which might meet what it wants to do but one is not yet in place. No target is known as to how many houses will be delivered. The Minister of State mentioned the repair and leasing scheme, to which another €32 million is being allocated on the basis that it will achieve 800 new units in the coming year. It only got seven this year, notwithstanding the provision of many millions also. What amendments have been made to the scheme to ensure it works now in order that this time next year we can say 800 units emanated from it? Would the Government not be better advised to allow the funding to be matched with the Vacant Housing Refurbishment Bill we proposed and which the House agreed some weeks ago?

See this speech in context