Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 5

Written Answers. - Housing Forum.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

55 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the housing forum promised in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness will be established; the terms of reference and membership of the proposed forum; when it is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10055/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Following the recent ratification of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness by the social partners, I understand the Department of the Taoiseach will shortly convene a meeting with the social partners and relevant Departments to decide on arrangements for the implementation of the programme, including the establishment of the housing forum.

The terms of reference and membership of the forum will be as agreed with the social partners and set out in framework 2 of the programme. The forum will monitor developments in relation to the supply and affordability of housing; moni tor the implementation of the housing objectives and actions set out in frameworks 2 and 3 of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness in the context of the targets set in the national development plan; provide the social partners with an opportunity to contribute to the further development by my Department of policy responses in respect of the housing issues identified in the programme and involve the social partners with Government in tackling constraints on the achievement of the housing supply targets set out in the programme and the national development plan.

The housing forum will meet quarterly for the lifetime of the programme and, accordingly, the timing and nature of its reports will be decided in the context of its ongoing work programme.