Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2006
298 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the preparation of the new housing policy statement (details supplied) has been completed; the date on which he expects the completed document to be published in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18654/06]
View answer299 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in publishing the new housing policy statement (details supplied), which was due to be published in early 2006. [18655/06]
View answer302 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the key Government policies and policy directions aimed at ensuring a quality living environment for householders and communities in view of the estimated rise of 1 million people here over the next fifteen years; and the number of social and affordable housing units he estimates will be required in five, 10 and 15 years time. [18658/06]
View answer303 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the key recommendations of the NESC report, Housing in Ireland: Performance and Policy, which will be implemented under the new housing policy framework. [18659/06]
View answer305 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policy directions planned under the new Housing Policy Framework over the medium term; and the timeframe defined by the medium term for the purposes of the policy framework. [18661/06]
View answer
I propose to take Questions Nos. 298, 299, 302, 303 and 305 together.
The new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities published in December 2005 sets out the key principles underpinning housing policy over the coming years. The Framework proposes an integrated approach to housing in Ireland for the 21st Century, taking account of the demands of a increasing population. It firmly places housing policy in the context of building sustainable communities, with a focus on policies to ensure an effective private housing market, increasing social housing provision, and its quality, reforming the social housing sector and improving pathways to homeownership. In this regard, it responds directly to the policy challenges highlighted in the NESC report on housing.
The Framework specifically outlines an investment programme for social and affordable housing for the coming three years. Proposed investment beyond 2008, is being considered in the context of the preparation of the next National Development Plan. It would not be practicable definitively to determine social and affordable housing requirements for longer time frames beyond this period. The required response will depend on demand which in turn is based on a range of factors, including population changes, employment and economic growth, activity in the housing market, both purchasing and private renting and ultimately the personal choices of households over time. It is important to have in place the appropriate mechanisms to plan and respond to need at required levels. These mechanisms are incorporated in the housing policy Framework; they include proposals for a new means of assessing need and responding to this need in a multi-faceted way through multi-annual housing action plans supported by active land management.
Some of the proposals in the Framework will take time to develop fully, but it is important to set out the vision to inform policy development and implementation over the medium term. Work is well underway on a new housing policy statement which will set out more detailed approaches to implementing the Framework document. This statement will take a medium term perspective, will have regard to current discussions within the Partnership Talks, and will link into the investment proposed under the next National Development Plan.
