Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 260: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans in relation to social and affordable housing lists; the way he proposes to eliminate those lists or reduce them down to a reasonable waiting period; and the number of citizens and families on social housing lists (details supplied). [33183/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The most recent assessment of need for social housing was undertaken by local authorities in March 2005. The results of that assessment indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority housing waiting lists. Data in relation to these assessments for each housing authority, including waiting times, are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. The next statutory assessment of housing need is due to be undertaken by housing authorities in March 2008.

Comprehensive information on the number of people seeking affordable housing is not collected by my Department. The Government is well placed to deliver on the commitments in Towards 2016 to start or acquire some 27,000 new homes for those in need of social housing over the next three years. The total Exchequer provision for social housing in 2007 is almost €1.4 billion — an increase of 10% on the 2006 provision. The funding will support the commencement of a significant number of new social housing units, and further progress under the regeneration programmes, as well as bringing to completion a large number of units under both the local authority and voluntary housing programmes.