Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the directives his Department have issued to local authorities with respect to the use of funding for the building of social houses since 1 May 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22614/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has issued several circulars to housing authorities in relation to the social housing investment programme since 1 May 2007. These are outlined below:

10 May 2007: Best Practice Guidelines — Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities — This circular draws attention to the publication of the new Department Guidelines Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities.

23 May 2007: Policy Framework for Regeneration of Local Authority Estates — This circular sets out the administrative arrangements for the submission of proposals for the regeneration of local authority estates and, as appropriate, their environs.

31 May 2007: Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) — This circular updates housing authorities on administrative changes in relation to the recoupment of costs and the extension of RAS to the Back to Work Scheme.

27 June 2007: Construction Procurement Reform: Revised Arrangements for the Procurement of Public Works Projects and for the Engagement and Payment of Construction Consultants — This circular advises housing authorities of revised arrangements for the implementation of new "fixed price contracts" for construction projects.

24 July 2007: Arrangements for provision of Social Housing through Turnkey Projects — This circular advises authorities of new arrangements in relation to the provision of social housing and mixed developments through "turnkey" arrangements.

8 October 2007: Social Housing Investment Programme 2007 — End-of-Year Recoupment Arrangements — This circular advises of the administrative arrangements for end of year recoupment claims under the social housing investment programme.