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

We are very serious about tackling the housing crisis. We acknowledge it is there and that a big aspect of it is vacancy. That is why we are bringing forward very targeted measures to deal with it. I have been all across the country, including to Waterford with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, where 72 apartments have been built in St. Joseph's House, a converted old school and convent, and are now providing permanent homes for people. I was in Crumlin earlier this week with colleagues, where 103 one-bedroom new-build apartments for seniors are being provided. New builds are happening but it will take time to feel the effect. There is no question about that.

In Tipperary, there is a very strong pipeline for the delivery of social homes. I commend the director of services for housing in Tipperary, to whom I spoke last week, on the work being done there, not only in providing homes for those who already are on the social housing list but also in providing assistance in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. I look forward to meeting the Deputy in Tipperary tomorrow. Yes, it will be a long day. I look forward to him accompanying me and my being able to talk directly to people in the council. To be very clear, the affordable housing fund is open to all local authorities to make applications.

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