Vol. 575 No. 4
99 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent call from the Irish Council for Social Housing for an increase in the Government allocation for social housing if it is to reach its targets under the NDP; the steps he intends to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28433/03]
In including housing as a major area of activity under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to increasing support for social and affordable housing programmes. Despite the pressure on the public finances, the Government has again increased the total housing provision by 5.5% to €1.885 billion in 2004.
Over the three years 2000 to 2002, €3.8 billion or 109% of the NDP forecast on the social and affordable housing measures has been spent. This financial progress was acknowledged in the recent independent mid-term evaluations of the NDP. These reports also highlighted the positive contribution of social housing measures to addressing poverty and social inclusion. While physical progress is somewhat behind targets due mainly to construction inflation and increased land prices, NDP investment to date has led to the highest levels of social housing output in 15 years by local authorities and record output by the voluntary and co-operative housing sector.
I am pleased that the resources available for 2004 will allow this progress to be consolidated, with the voluntary and co-operative housing sector continuing to make a very valuable contribution in this area and additional housing starts anticipated by local authorities. Equally, I share with the Irish Council for Social Housing the view that we must ensure value for money in social housing and that resources are targeted and used effectively. To this end, we are committed under the Sustaining Progress special initiative on housing and accommodation to a review of all programmes so as to ensure that they contribute optimally to present and evolving needs.
