Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that only 600 voluntary housing units were completed in the first half of 2006, even though the Government committed to reaching an annual total of 4000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36623/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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At end June 2006, 601 units of voluntary housing accommodation were completed with a further 2131 in progress. This compares with 548 units completed with a further 2016 in progress for the same period in 2005.

The voluntary and co-operative housing sector has an important contribution to make in the provision of social housing. By working in close partnership with local authorities, it plays a significant role in supplementing the efforts of local authorities in providing social housing in areas where particular housing needs have been identified. It is supported by my Department through two separate funding schemes, the Capital Assistance Scheme and the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme.

The Government are fully committed to developing and expanding the voluntary and co-operative housing sector by supplying the necessary financial resources and support to enable it to become an important and significant provider and force in the housing area. To this end, provision of funding for the schemes has been increased significantly from €56 million in 1999 to €243 million in 2006.

The main strategy for delivery of the Governments social and affordable housing programme is through the local authority 5-year Action Plans for social and affordable housing. The Action Plans, now at their midway stage are currently being reviewed. The reviews are focussing on examining how targets have been met in the first two years of the plan and on incorporating any adjustments required for the remaining years of the plan, in light of outcomes including expected 2006 outputs, and the results of the recent Housing Needs Assessment.