Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

We have improved the income criteria for qualification for local authority housing.

The Department issued the guidelines for unfinished estates and it was up to local authorities to decide what categories estates were in. There is an opportunity to look at the categorisation now, but not for this year in terms of exemption from the local authority charge. I will examine the particular case raised by Senator Healy Eames. She said the estate was finished, but I am not sure if it is categorised as finished or if it is still in the hands of the developer.

Senator Kelly raised a few issues, particularly shared ownership. We need to respond compassionately to people who are stuck in that situation. There is also the issue of asking local authorities to write off large amounts of debt. We have to make sure what we do works for local authorities. I know of similar cases myself and I agree with Senator Kelly that something needs to be done. I will get back to the Private Residential Tenancies Board in relation to renewal notices. Senator Kelly also made a general point about ghost estates.