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

There is no prohibition on the purchase of properties but we cannot have it both ways. We want to increase stock. I heard Deputies rightly criticising the Government last year for buying homes out from under first-time buyers. We have to have a balance. The figure of 200 set across the board is there but properties can be purchased in extremis. I am looking at further measures, particularly around Housing First, to allow additional properties to be purchased to come into that sector. I may look at other options.

I will provide that flexibility. I had housing summits with all directors of services for housing from all 31 local authorities last week and the week before last. The major focus was on delivery and on homelessness. Therefore, we are looking at other measures. If we can bring in changes, like allowing some flexibility on purchasing with tenants in situ, in extreme situations, I am open to that. A moral hazard can occur in such situations as well though, and I do not want local authorities just buying instead of building. The message going out from this Government is that we must increase our public housing stock substantially and that is the focus of Housing for All.

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