Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 3

Written Answers. - Housing Advice Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

39 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent call by the National Economic and Social Council for the establishment of a national housing authority; his views on the call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23871/02]

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

I am aware that the National Economic and Social Forum rather than the National Economic and Social Council, recommended, some time ago, the establishment of a national housing authority.

The Government's efforts in support of housing have prioritised the adaptation and strengthening of institutions and structures, increasing the funding of housing programmes and the redesign of incentives and supports, so as to secure the required levels of housing output across all tenures.

In relation to strengthening of structures, we have developed a range of administrative arrangements and initiatives, including, the creation of Cabinet Committees on Housing, Infrastructure and Public Private Partnerships, and on Social Inclusion, each chaired by the Taoiseach, the setting up of the Housing Forum in agreement with the Social Partners as provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, the establishment of the Private Residential Tenancies Board on an ad-hoc basis pending the necessary legislation arising from the recommendations of the Commission on the Private Rented Sector, new organisational structures within my Department with enhanced focus on housing supply, voluntary housing, affordable housing and social inclusion and an enhanced role for the housing unit, particularly in the area of research.

Our approach has delivered high levels of overall housing output and continued the major expansion of both the local authority and voluntary housing programmes. Total housing output last year, at more than 52,000 units, was the highest output ever achieved in a single year. Based on the indications available, we are likely to achieve record output once again this year. In addition, I expect local authority output for 2002 to be the highest level of completions for more than 15 years.

The issue of a national housing authority was discussed at the recent meeting of the housing forum. Considerable reservations were expressed by the forum about the concept of an executive national housing authority. The consensus, which I would also broadly support, was that progress in this area would be better achieved by improving capacity for housing research, dissemination of best housing management practice etc. in local authorities, support for the voluntary housing sector and synergies between existing housing agencies.