Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I refute the claim that the Government is taking a hands-off approach. Quite the opposite is the case. We are taking a very much hands-on approach. A vacant homes unit has been set up within the Department and the schemes I outlined are delivering the reuse and the repurposing of a lot of housing stock across the country. To clarify the position, we received a submission from Dublin City Council on the voids programme only last week and we will be making additional funding available for that programme. Critically, we will continue to respond to the needs of local authorities. We have put in place vacant homes officers. It is down to the local authorities to be proactive and to meet the challenges in their areas. The Government will not be found wanting in providing support.

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