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

I fully understand the question. As the Deputy knows there are many aspects to this. In terms of direct interventions, the local infrastructure housing activation fund, LIHAF, is one which involves the direct allocation of €200 million to provide for public infrastructure. There are issues with the planning process including delays and continued objections. There are some infamous delays affecting social and affordable homes on State-owned sites across the country.

A group within the Department is working with the industry on costs, including those relating to construction. The SCSI report was interesting in that regard. It pointed to reductions in certain types of building. We need to look at what we are delivering in terms of off-site construction, smarter buildings, the Construction Industry Register Ireland, which we are bringing forward as well and also with regard to registration and building standards. I would not underestimate the impact of what the State can do in the delivery of affordable homes in bringing down costs. The purpose of the Affordable Housing Bill we published yesterday is to bring down cost for the people who need it most.

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