Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social and affordable houses short of the national development plan targets the country will be by the end of 2006, not withstanding the recent announcement of extra money allocated for housing purposes in June 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22499/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The recent announcement of resources for the Local Authority housing construction programme in 2006 brings projects cumulative expenditure on this programme substantially ahead of NDP target. Expenditure under the Voluntary Housing and Affordable Housing Schemes will also be substantially on target, as the following table indicates:

Largely due to construction inflation, output is in some respects behind NDP forecasts, but we have put in place measures to ensure that the additional resources now available for housing achieve best value for money, optimum output and deliver programmes in a way that builds sustainable communities.

The Government have put in place a number of new arrangements to facilitate the delivery of strong programmes of social and affordable housing. Since 2000, a total of some 72,000 households have been assisted under the various social and affordable housing programmes.

In consultation with my Department, local authorities have developed five-year action plans for their social and affordable housing programmes covering the period to 2008. These incorporate the relevant targets for units delivered through Part V arrangements. The preparation of these plans has improved the identification of priority needs and will help to ensure a more coherent and co-ordinated response across all housing services. A mid-term review of plans, which will allow for adjustments to be made in light of actual performance is underway at present.

During 2005, the Government brought forward new initiatives to specifically address issues raised in the NESC report. In June, we launched the Affordable Homes Partnership to co-ordinate and accelerate the delivery of affordable housing in the Greater Dublin Area. In December 2005, the Government launched a new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities which outlines key principles underpinning housing policy and investment over coming years.

As a result of extra capital provision in Budget 2006, substantial increased investment in social and affordable housing is outlined in the framework. This will allow for some 23,000 new social homes to be commenced between 2006 and 2008; and some 15,000 affordable homes to be delivered. The Rental Accommodation Scheme is being implemented as a new choice for individuals in long-term need of accommodation support. In total, some 50,000 households will benefit over the coming three years from an Exchequer capital investment package of close to €4 billion. This is evidence of the Government's continuing commitment to the delivery of social and affordable housing.