Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----to change that now to ensure it is done correctly through the clever use of State land, as well as using State finances. Guidelines were issued in the first instance because we had to make sure that all interventions target the most needy. That is how taxpayers' money is best used, and that is why we have the schemes that exist and why we set a national standard. The review, carried out a number of years ago, occurred because national criteria were not implemented and different standards applied in every local authority. We are trying to address the housing difficulties across the country and bring in a standard approach, based on systems and process which has not been in place hitherto. That is part of the repair work we are doing. The Department will then be in a position to fix and address the housing problem across every sector for the years ahead.

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