Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)

Time and again, we have heard from Government that it recognises that dereliction is a problem in Dublin, yet there is not a single penny in the Dublin City Council to compulsorily purchase derelict properties in the city. There are 4,500 derelict properties across the city but only a tiny fraction of these are on the derelict sites register. Nearly 5,000 people are facing eviction notices but this Government has turned its back on both the tenant in situ scheme and the acquisition of second-hand properties. I listened to what the Taoiseach said in reply to Deputy Ellis. The reality is that there is no reassurance for the 120 families who are eligible for the tenant in situ scheme but who cannot access it because no is funding available. They are facing homelessness this year and there is no funding within Dublin City Council. Will the Government put money in place for Dublin City Council and other local authorities this year for those families facing homelessness?

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