Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he expects to meet the national development plan target to make available 27,000 new social housing units in the period 2007 to 2009 in view of the fact that 14,000 units were made ready over 2007 and 2008; the additional plans he has apart from long-term leasing, to acquire more social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16517/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the question refers to the commitment entered into by the Government under the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, and the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013, which was to achieve 27,000 social housing "starts" over the three year period 2007 to 2009.

We have already made considerable progress towards this target in 2007 and 2008 with some 16,000 starts/acquisitions being achieved through social housing programmes including the local authority and voluntary programmes and the Rental Accommodation Scheme.

My Department continues to explore all options for increasing the availability of social housing by optimising the use of available Exchequer supports and exploring alternative solutions to address housing needs. Local authorities are encouraged to vary the supply options according to prevailing market conditions in order to optimise the supply of social and affordable housing in accordance with the principles of Delivering Homes Sustainable Communities.

In addition to the traditional construction contracts tendered by local authorities and the long term leasing arrangements being introduced this year, other supply options include design/build contracts, Part V acquisitions, second hand acquisitions, PPP's, turnkey projects, and lease options under the Rental Accommodation Scheme. I am confident that the financial provision for housing for 2009, including €20 million in ring-fenced funding for long term lease arrangements from which I anticipate some 2,000 units will be delivered this year, will enable us to maintain strong momentum towards meeting our commitments in Towards 2016.