Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo the point the Taoiseach made with respect to the progress we have made. It is worth noting that since the Government came into office, we have built more homes for more people, increased eligibility, built more public homes than ever before and we have a higher total output than has been the case for many years. However, I will flag two matters that the Cabinet sub-committee should examine. The first relates to the approved housing body, AHB, sector, which is producing in volume. We must be careful of the borrowing requirements of AHBs in order to ensure that they can maximise output. The Department has compiled a report. I ask that the Cabinet sub-committee consider the full implications of that report with respect to the AHB balance sheet and the restrictions on it. That needs to be examined.

My second point relates to the tenant in situscheme and the cost-rental backstop. I have been approached by people who have received the devastating news of eviction notices. Within a matter of weeks, the tenant in situscheme has transformed their housing situation. Regardless of where they are placed on the list, they are able to secure a home forever, which is the home they want. Dublin City Council has confirmed that small numbers of people are also being considered for the cost-rental backstop. We can go further with that scheme. We should be purchasing homes for people who are waiting for a significant period on the waiting list, even if they are not facing immediate eviction.

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