Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I join the Minister and other Senators in welcoming the work of the voluntary housing sector. I spoke about this matter yesterday on Second Stage and mentioned RESPOND and Clúid in County Galway and other agencies which have done excellent work in conjunction with the local authorities. I hope local authorities will look at the issue of returning emigrants. I am sure the Minister is aware the voluntary bodies play a significant role in this area. There is a voluntary housing scheme in Dunmore, County Galway, known as homes for elderly.

No matter what way voluntary housing schemes and bodies go in the future – as the Minister said, there will be more people in affordable housing or shared ownership schemes – there will always be a need for a number of houses to be allocated to elderly people and I would not like to see such houses being sold off. Most local authorities hold a number of houses for that sector which are relet.

As we said yesterday, it is part of the Irish psyche to desire to own a house and that is why affordable housing has been successful. However, there should be houses for particular sectors, such as elderly or returning emigrants. It is evident from the CSO figures that many retired emigrants are returning, are looking for housing and would like to live in their home place. I join in the well deserved compliments to the voluntary housing agencies.