Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Earlier this week, I mentioned the issue of homelessness, the number of people on housing waiting lists and the number of vacant houses in many of our local authorities. I am very happy to welcome the announcement yesterday of a further €15 million this year for refurbishment of local authority houses. It will mean a €30 million investment in this refurbishment programme, which is welcome. It will also mean that in excess of 2,000 vacant properties will be available to those on the housing list. It is a very positive programme and it will sustain hundreds of jobs in the construction sector.