Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I again thank Deputy O'Sullivan for his contribution. I appreciate the sincerity with which he has raised this issue. We are committed to responding positively to it. My understanding is that Cork City Council's allocation for second-hand acquisitions in 2025 is €20 million. At the end of April, it had drawn down €6.9 million or 34% of its allocation. The Cork County Council allocation for second-hand acquisitions in 2025 is €15 million and at the end of April it had drawn down €0.5 million or 3% of its allocation.

The Government decision of 4 March 2025 decided on a total of €325 million for second-hand social housing acquisitions in 2025. The approach to funding allocations was a change from the approach taken in 2023 and 2024, when local authorities were issued with a guide number of acquisitions. The intent is to allow local authorities negotiate the acquisition costs with vendors and landlords and to achieve the best value for money. Each local authority has now received its individual allocation, with a total allocation of €35 million for Cork City Council and Cork County Council for 2025.

For acquisitions where there is a tenant in situ, local authorities will assess the options available in each case and decide on the appropriate action. Prioritising vulnerable households for support under the scheme is important, but it does not mean excluding others. It will be a matter for local authorities to respond to local needs. I assure the Deputy that the Department of housing will continue to engage with local authorities on any challenges that have emerged, so as to ensure the tenant in situ acquisitions remain an option in 2025 where other solutions cannot be found.

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