Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Housing for All is a clear priority for the Government. We are committed to delivering on targets across all pathways of the plan. The delivery of social and affordable homes is central to the plan and these homes are expected to comprise approximately half of the housing delivery over the next decade. The provision of individual local authority targets and the development of housing delivery action plans addressing delivery over the next five years has introduced a more strategic approach to housing delivery. Local authorities are working closely with the approved housing bodies, delivery partners and the LDA to develop a pipeline to ensure we meet these targets.

A central element of Housing for All is to build institutional capacity. As part of the measures to support institutional capacity, Housing for All commits to strengthening the capacity of the local authorities to initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects and to recognise that this requires the resourcing of the housing services of local authorities.

Funding has been approved for 250 new posts for local authorities to support the delivery of social housing and work is nearing completion to identify additional resources required to support the delivery of affordable housing. The Government, the Minister and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will continue to work closely with local authorities and all the key stakeholders to support the delivery of social and affordable housing.

That addresses the content of the Topical Issue matter the Deputy raised. He also raised the need to recognise the capacity of young professionals to earn more and how they could be accommodated in the purchasing of new homes. That is the message I heard and it is one I will bring back to the Minister.

See this speech in context