John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Finance the progress made on the use of the National Assets Management Agency properties for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33210/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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NAMA recognises that there is a possible synergy between housing stock controlled by its debtors or receivers and the potential demand for social housing. In that context, NAMA concluded the sale of 58 social and affordable units to the Cluid Housing Association in July. The agency has provided a list of over 1,000 other properties to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and I am informed that it is now in discussions with the Minister for Housing, his officials and the Irish Council for Social Housing with a view to identifying properties which may be suitable for social housing.

More generally, the NAMA Board has committed to giving first option to public bodies on the purchase of property which may be suitable for their purposes, including social housing. In addition, NAMA advises me that it is willing to facilitate dialogue between debtors and third parties interested in acquiring property for social or public purposes.