Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way, in view of the fact that the unsold affordable housing stock will be used for social housing and the introduction of the new long-term leasing scheme, he will ensure that the 20% rule regarding social and affordable housing in private housing estates will be adhered to by councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18000/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a housing strategy prepared by a housing authority must provide that, as a general policy, not more than 20% of land zoned for residential use shall be reserved for social and affordable housing for the purposes of the Act. Where units delivered under Part V are no longer required for their original purpose, for example as affordable housing, they may be used for another purpose connected with the authority's functions.

While the priority remains to sell affordable homes to eligible purchasers, where this proves not to be practical in current market conditions, housing authorities have been asked to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the options for dealing with these properties, including their deployment for social housing purposes, where appropriate having regard to the principles of sustainable communities. The options in this regard include sale under the Incremental Purchase Scheme, use of the units to provide social housing supports for an initial period of 5 years, or the transfer of unsold affordable units into permanent social housing stock.

In terms of the future implementation of Part V arrangements, it will continue to be a matter for individual planning authorities to decide, in the context of their housing strategies, the proportion, up to 20%, of lands to be reserved for social and affordable housing purposes. My Department has indicated to authorities that it would be advisable for those that have not recently done so to undertake a review of their housing strategies to take account of the changed economic circumstances, including changes in the housing market, and likely developments in the period ahead.