Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is being assessed and evaluated. I want to review it. As the Deputy will know, we have just over 20,000 tenants in leased properties. The cost of that to the Exchequer is €250 million per annum. They are secure homes for people right now and we have to ensure that continues to be supported through the social housing current expenditure programme, SHCEP. There is a distinct change in the programme for Government in terms of housing targets. We want to move toward direct build and to empower local authorities to build, which I have done already by setting out their targets this year on an individual basis so that they are clear on what they need to deliver.

There is a role for leasing in other areas, such as the repair and lease scheme. I have seen where that has worked really well, particularly in the regions, such as in Waterford, Fermoy and Limerick in particular. There is also the mortgage-to-rent scheme, which is a mechanism for people with systemic mortgage arrears issues and failures that cannot be recovered in the medium or long terms. I am working with others to seek to expand that programme. I can give the Deputy a commitment that we are reviewing it. I will see when we publish our-----

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