Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 February 2005
60 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the report of the housing policy unit on the changes to the system of housing provision and housing policy here since 1990; the action he intends to take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4037/05]
View answerThe recently published Housing Policy Review 1990-2002, which is available in the Oireachtas Library, was produced by the housing unit at the request of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The primary purpose of the report is to document the principal changes to the system of housing provision and policy in Ireland since 1990. It also outlines recent social and economic developments which have impacted on housing and the range of market and non-market housing options which are available. Its target audience is housing researchers, practitioners and students.
The report outlines the factors influencing housing and the housing market which have changed dramatically since 1990. It examines how the Government's housing policy has had to adapt accordingly. The report notes that since 1990, the response to the broad range of housing needs has developed with the introduction of a range of better-targeted schemes aimed at those on low incomes and those with special housing needs.
While the primary purpose of the report was to document recent developments, it also highlights issues in some areas that merit further examination. The report provides useful background information for the review of the effectiveness of social and affordable housing, which is being conducted in accordance with a commitment in Sustaining Progress. Some of the issues raised were referred to in the recent NESC report on housing and are being examined by the Government in the context of its consideration of that report.
Given that more than 50,000 people are on the social housing waiting list, is it not time for a change in the Government's strategy on foot of reports of this nature? Is the Minister of State prepared to examine a proposal made by the construction industry to enter into a public private partnership with the Government to build more houses to be used by the Government as social housing? It is likely that the building industry will have spare capacity this year and next year. It seems that we have reached the limit on the number of houses people want to buy. Will the Minister of State consider the construction industry's proposal to build houses by means of a public private partnership and then rent them to local authority tenants or make them available under affordable housing schemes? The construction industry would benefit from the payment it would receive in that way.
The last assessment showed that 48,000 families were on the social housing list. Some public private partnership projects are in operation. Fatima Mansions is being redeveloped as part of a PPP arrangement under the regeneration scheme. The same applies to O'Devaney Gardens. We are encouraging and are interested in PPP projects.
Other innovative and interesting suggestions are being made regarding which there are ongoing discussions with the construction industry. On regeneration specifically, we are already involved in some PPP arrangements and we look forward to developing further options in that regard.
When does the Minister of State expect to make an announcement on the proposals under consideration?
I am not sure which proposal the Deputy is talking about.
I am talking about those to which the Minister of State referred.
There are different proposals and these are being examined. It is not a case of our running with every one that is made.
There is a major proposal offering to take on the burden of social housing.
Some have merit and others have not. Fundamentally, we are not just considering different proposals but trying all the time to increase our resources. A sum of €1.3 billion has been allocated this year for Exchequer-funded housing.
We are considering other proposals but we must ascertain whether they represent good long-term value. They can sometimes look very attractive and innovative but can also be very simplistic. We must consider the long-term benefits of the suggestions. Although they might provide housing in the shorter term, they must also represent good value to the taxpayer. Every angle of the proposals must be considered.
How many reports on housing policy is the Minister of State considering?
The main three are those mentioned by the Deputy. The NESC report is not really a report. I am not quite sure what proposal——
Four.
That is more or less an historical report. It is mainly meant to target practitioners and researchers although it contains some ideas.
The housing sector is one of the largest sectors in the economy. There will never be a day on which all reports and policies are decided upon.
Not while the Minister of State is in power.
Policy changes are important and some key changes may be made shortly. That said, one must ascertain the most effective way to spend the €1.3 billion in Exchequer funding. When combined with the non-Exchequer funding, the total amounts to almost €2 billion. Policy changes are fine and take up some time and energy, but one must also focus on whether housing is being delivered and resources are being spent in the proper way while at the same time considering other ideas that come forward. Given that the housing sector is now so significant to the construction industry and the economy generally, many outside bodies are making submissions, producing reports and talking about how we should do our business.
