Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State and congratulate the Minister, Deputy Cullen, and his Department on the production of the amendments to the original Bill. I am confident that the amendments, as framed, will boost the supply of social and affordable housing. The Government's record in the area of social and affordable housing speaks for itself. Following the changes to the first-time buyer's grant scheme I was delighted to hear the Minister state any savings resulting from the changes would go directly to the provision of more social and affordable housing.

In recent years a range of better targeted schemes to assist low income purchasers and those with social housing needs have been put in place. There has been increased activity in both local authority and voluntary sector housing programmes. The highest level of completions in 15 years was achieved last year under the local authority housing programme. This year output is expected to exceed that level. The voluntary sector is also on target for another year of record output.

I must disagree with Senator McHugh on the voluntary sector. In my constituency of Dublin Central there is a prime example of an excellent development by a co-operative housing association, in conjunction with the local authority and the Department of the Environment and Local Government, providing over 110 units of highly desirable accommodation in what was one of the most deprived flat complexes in the city. The voluntary sector is crucially important to the area of development. There has also been expanded activity on schemes assisting those on low incomes to purchase their homes, and on schemes of shared ownership and affordable housing. Activity in 2002 is likely to meet the national development plan target of 2,000 units.

I noted with interest that the Irish Homebuilders' Association welcomed the decision in the programme for Government to look at the area of planning and development with particular reference to social and affordable housing. There has been uncertainty and confusion surrounding the implementation of Part V. There has been confusion as a result of many local authorities being unclear as to how to move forward with the implementation of the scheme and this has lead to a dramatic decline in planning applications.