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

The Deputy might pass on the message to him. He has managed again to be gone by the time I get up to speak. It is important to correct these points in relation to housing because a great deal of work has gone into trying to change the system. I compliment the local authorities involved. People often ask why we have to open developments of ten or 12 houses. It is for one reason only, namely that taxpayers need to know that money is being spent. If one listens to the media or comes in here, one might think there is nothing happening. I would love if there were 50, 100 or 1,000 but people need to know the money is getting through the system. Very often, they hear comments from approved housing bodies, NGOs and others about solutions. However, those people rarely mention that these are taxpayer funded solutions. Every party represented here and every local authority member has committed a great deal of time and effort to drive the housing agenda. Whenever I visit a housing development, I say that every party here has played its part. However, we are all spending taxpayers’ money and they need to be able to see it is driving solutions. That is why it is important to do that every chance we get. I always say that regardless of changes in government, the Dáil has committed the €6 billion and money beyond that to deliver housing projects. When it comes to scale, ambition and ideology, there is a commitment under Project 2040 to deliver 12,000 social houses per year after Rebuilding Ireland. There is a commitment there.

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