Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

There are challenges. Nonetheless, earlier this year, the new Government allocated up to €700 million additionally over the Estimate for a whole variety of schemes to give them the green light. It allocated about €450 million for new projects and then approximately €300 for the tenant in situ scheme and for further acquisitions of housing and so on by local authorities. Other schemes are coming through all of the time. It was interesting to listen to the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, IFAC, this morning, which is concerned about additionality in public expenditure. Nonetheless, housing remains a priority for us. I hear what the Deputy says and we will see what we can do to deal with these issues.

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