Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is very easy to come in here and talk about a leaked report. Many of us are talking about a leaked report and can only comment on what is in the public domain, whether on the RTÉ website or in some of the local papers. I think a few facts need to be stated at the outset. One that strikes me the most is the EU comparison. With the development and increase in our stock here, we are experiencing 4.4% growth in comparison with an EU reduction of 2.1%. That is worth bearing in mind. The Minister already referred to 500 first-time buyers drawing down mortgages every week in this country. That is a stark difference from what we were experiencing a decade ago, as Deputy Durkan has just alluded to. If I could, I would like to use my time to make some proposals in a constructive manner rather than just firing easy tropes.

I would like to mention the story of a company that has set up its base in Glanmire in my constituency, called Sea Box Europe. It specialises internationally in modular and prefabricated housing. It does a lot for the US military and for emergencies worldwide in providing accommodation for people. I visited the factory a couple of weeks ago. It is amazing to see what can be constructed in just a couple of weeks. For the life of me, four years into this Government, I do not understand why that prefabricated or modular solution has not had an impact. We have done pilot schemes. We had one in Cork South-Central, in Mahon, to deliver Ukrainian accommodation. That was a welcome scheme but it was far from quick and it was very expensive. That is well-documented in the press. Sea Box is not the only company. Companies like it are providing realistic, modular alternatives for people. Whether that is done to address homelessness, for emergency accommodation or for tackling housing relating to the migrant issue, I do not understand why the scheme has not taken off.

Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan and I both represented Cork County Council in the past and I represent Cork City Council now too. Both of those local authorities have performed admirably in recent years with their household delivery. I believe there is a specific problem in Dublin and that Dublin needs specific intervention. I have said that for a long time, not just on the rental side but also the construction side. Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council have all done reasonably well. Those local authorities can perform. I do not understand how Cork City Council and Cork County Council can outbuild Dublin City Council, which has far greater resources and income. That is a question for Dublin City Council. I often talk to officials. Something they often raise with me is the disparity between urban and rural areas with regard to affordable housing bands. It is €100,000 for rural areas and €150,000 for urban areas. They cannot fathom why it is not just treated the same, maybe aside from Dublin.

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Addressing this disparity in the context of cost-rental units could result in a major increase in the numbers the State is delivering, as those cost-rental units would be State-sponsored infrastructure.

The Department of public expenditure has a role to play. I deal with many officials. The delays and the time spent going to and from the Department on various schemes is onerous. Time costs money in this game. Every month, six months or 12 months that go by add to cost to the delivery of housing. Something needs to be done about the Department's turnaround times.

Another positive initiative from the Government has been the vacant housing refurbishment grant. I can testify to that. Not a week goes by that I do not help someone with an application for the grant. The Minister and the Department are to be commended.

My final comment will be contentious across the way, but there is considerable exposure for private developers, be they large or small. Their borrowing costs are often 12%, 15% or even 20%. The State has a great capacity to borrow and to avail of cheaper credit. For the life of me, I do not understand why it is not borrowing the money on behalf of local authorities in particular, thereby reducing their exposure. A consideration of this matter would be welcomed by Cork city and county councils.

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