Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I cannot be any clearer and there is no confusion with the regulations. If a construction method meets our regulations, it can be sanctioned and planning permission can be granted. However, we are very strict as we have seen too many homes built at poor quality. We need an urgent supply of housing but that does not mean we should renege on quality. Any company producing housing is more than welcome to come into my office and meet officials to go through the product and what must be done to meet the standards. We are a very open book in that regard. We are also very clear that there is no confusion on the regulations. The Senator mentioned Dublin City Council's trial relating to family hubs, and we are open to such ideas once the housing has certain standards.

The Senator mentioned that 10,000 people are homeless and approximately 1,700 families do not have a home today. Our social housing construction programme will this year deliver 10,000 homes for 10,000 families. I can put my hand on my heart and say that more than 5,000 adults and their children will leave homelessness this year and move into a home as a supply of housing is finally coming on stream. Taxpayers' money has been set aside this year to deliver 10,000 new homes and there will be more than 10,000 new homes next year and the year after. We want to continue that supply of housing. We are very open to considering all solutions, so if anybody wants to meet to discuss that, I am happy to facilitate it.