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

I thank the Deputy. I will deal specifically with the Land Development Agency and former Defence Forces lands. Following on from my last reply, we have set a target of completing 10,000 new social housing builds per annum on average over the term of the plan. This in itself will make significant inroads into the social housing waiting list, which includes many former and, in some cases, current members of the Defence Forces. With regard to how the Land Development Agency will operate developments of former Defence Forces sites, I will certainly discuss the point raised by Deputy Berry with the LDA.

Underpinning this, we need to be aware that the scheme of priorities for social housing does not allow for priority to be given based on a person's occupation. Increasing dramatically the number of new social home builds will positively impact all of those who are on the social housing list. I am happy to take back the Deputy's suggestion with regard to how we may look at former Army and Defence Forces lands that are being redeveloped.

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