Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the 12 months to March, more than 2,500 homes came out of long-term vacancy, that is, vacancy of more than two years, and back into use because of the work of local authorities, housing bodies and others bringing their homes back into use.

On those in emergency accommodation or who are sleeping rough, we now have a national director and national plan for Housing First and we are creating Housing First tenancies, which follow international best practice for getting people off the streets and into secure accommodation, and keeping them there. Last year, 5,000 individuals and households came out of homelessness. They were either prevented from going into it or came out of emergency accommodation. More than 27,000 households were supported by the taxpayer. It is important work but there are thousands more people we need to help, which is why we continue to drive on with Rebuilding Ireland to get that work done.

St. Michael's Estate is the final point I wish to address.

1 o’clock

This is a very important development not only for St. Michael's Estate and its surrounding community but also for the country. It is the first large-scale cost rental project. It was objected to locally by people. We do get objections that cause time delays.

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