Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Any increase in the level of homelessness is deeply regrettable and disappointing and warrants action from Government. That is why we are acting. This is the number one priority for the Government. We are investing a record amount of money to increase the supply of all forms of housing, including public and cost-rental housing as well as the introduction of new affordable schemes. We are also working with the private sector and the Land Development Agency. We are seeing progress in relation to supply and that is ultimately the solution here. Nearly 35,000 homes commenced construction in the year to March 2022 which is the highest rolling 12-month figure since records began. We will deliver close to 12,000 social homes this year, of which 9,000 will be new builds. The cost-rental model is now being rolled out. It is about delivering as much as we possibly can to address the homelessness challenge, which is growing and is of serious concern.

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