Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

There are some 56,000 people on the social housing list. The House engaged in a good debate on the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. The Minister of State with responsibility in this area, Deputy Finneran, is particularly good at his job. However, the bottom line appears to be the level of funding available for social housing. During the past year, the public-private partnership model has not worked. Clear outlines must be put in place with regard to how we intend to house people. In view of the number of houses being repossessed, I am seriously concerned about the poor unfortunate people who are on the housing list. We must address the scandal whereby 9,000 houses have been boarded up. Will the Leader, who is familiar with the position in this regard in Westmeath, indicate where we stand in respect of this matter?