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

This is a mechanism that we want to see work. The Deputy referred to the tenants in situ scheme in Dublin City Council, which it effectively ran itself. It has not been precluded from operating that scheme. We need to balance what we are doing to make sure those waiting for a long time on the list will not be waiting even longer. This is a preventive measure. I want to see it work. I have been really clear with the local authorities. I have had two housing summits with them recently. These summits involved all chief executives and directors of services in all 31 local authorities. I attended the summits and addressed both meetings. I am in regular contact with the local authorities, particularly the ten larger ones. With regard to Dublin City Council in particular, it is in the four Dublin local authority areas that homelessness and the risk thereof are most predominant. I am happy to examine this as it moves on. I can give the Deputy that assurance.

In 2021, we had 5,234 exits from and preventions of homelessness. There was significant work done in that regard. We have an issue with a shrunken rental market. It would be interesting to hear the views and policies of the Deputy and his party on how to retain landlords within the system. We need to retain individual landlords within the system, which may require tax measures. I am assuming I will have the Deputy's support if that must be done.

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