Finian McGrath
Question:583 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will redouble his efforts to achieve the social housing investment set out in the national development plan. [7630/03]
Written Answers - Social Housing.
Funding for housing under the national development plan has to date exceeded the projected figures set out in the national development plan in 2000. Total cumulative expenditure on housing from January 2000 to the end of 2002 at 109% of the national development plan estimates set out in 2000.
The Government has been responding actively to the increased level of social housing need by expanding social and affordable housing output very significantly. Last year saw the delivery of the highest level of output under the range of social housing measures for over 15 years. It is estimated that total social housing output last year taking account of new local authority housing, vacancies arising in existing houses and output under other social housing measures met the needs of approximately 12,500 households compared to just over 8,500 households in 2000.
The focus of the Government's spending on housing is on responding to the needs of low income groups and those with social and special housing needs through a broad range of targeted initiatives. It is anticipated that through these measures the needs of about 12,000 households will be met in 2003.