Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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296. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if, in the context of the present housing emergency, he plans emergency measures to address the issue in view of the number of families technically homeless, living in unfit conditions, living in overcrowded conditions and sharing with families and friends, some in undesirable situations and for prolonged periods in emergency housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52538/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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The most recently published statutory summary of social housing assessments relates to the assessment carried out in 2016. This records the number of households on all local authority waiting lists, as at 21 September 2016. The results of the 2016 summary show that there were 91,600 households deemed qualified for, and in need of social housing support. I expect the results of the 2017 assessment to be published shortly.

With particular regard to the needs of those on housing waiting lists and the households and families referred to by the Deputy, under Rebuilding Ireland, 50,000 social housing homes will be delivered through build, refurbishment, acquisition and leasing over the period 2016 to 2021, alongside an accelerated roll-out of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme to meet the needs of some 80,000 households.

There is already strong evidence that the focus on increasing and accelerating housing supply in Rebuilding Ireland is yielding results. In 2016, the housing needs of over 19,000 households were met through a range of social housing programmes, supported by expenditure of over €935 million. A further €1.4 billion is being provided in 2017, to meet the housing needs of in excess of 21,000 new households, a target which I am confident will be exceeded.

I am satisfied that the delivery on the range of targets in Rebuilding Ireland provides a strong platform for meeting the needs of those individuals and families on social housing waiting lists and those experiencing homelessness.