Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Will the Leader invite the Minister of State with responsibility for housing, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to the House to discuss the 2012 unfinished housing developments survey? The survey shows there are 1,770 unfinished housing estates in the State, which is down from more than 2,800 a number of years ago. The Minister of State should come to the House to discuss this survey given that it reports that more than 1,100 unfinished housing estates are in a seriously problematic condition. The Gathering next year has been mentioned and Ireland is known as the island of saints and scholars but we also have many unfinished housing estates and vacant properties, especially in rural areas. Leitrim, Cavan, Roscommon, Longford and Sligo have the highest number of vacant dwellings in the country. Every Member of the House is aware of this issue. I am anxious that we discuss the report in further detail and the progress made to date. The Department has made ¤3.5 million available to make these unfinished developments safe. We must push that process forward. Not only are these estates unsightly but there are also concerns about their safety. Unfortunately, there have been accidents and loss of life on some unfinished estates, as has been documented. Perhaps the Leader will invite the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to the House to discuss this issue.