Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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214. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will set up a housing advisory council to monitor the Government's activity in this area, similar to the Fiscal Advisory Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16939/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In response to the current very challenging housing crisis, rooted in a chronic under-supply of housing, the Government has published the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness, with the objective of increasing and accelerating housing delivery, across all tenures, to help individuals and families find homes. 

Clear and well defined governance structures are in place to ensure that Rebuilding Ireland is implemented effectively across the range of lead Departments and Agencies. The overall implementation is being overseen by a dedicated Cabinet Committee on Housing, chaired by An Taoiseach. This approach provides for a regular, inter-Departmental, review of implementation and analysis of market conditions. The Cabinet Committee is supported by a Senior Officials Group and specific Rebuilding Ireland-related structures are in place, including an Oversight Group and Project Board with membership from relevant Government Departments, local authorities, approved housing bodies, the construction industry and other stakeholders across the housing spectrum. In addition, the development of individual policy initiatives involves extensive public consultation and engagement, and housing issues have been the subject of considerable engagement with stakeholders on the National Economic and Social Council.

This inclusive and informed approach will help to ensure that well planned, high quality, socially integrated and affordable housing is delivered.

I am satisfied that there are appropriate governance arrangements in place and there are no plans to establish a housing advisory council along the lines suggested.