Responsibility for social housing policy is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. In that regard, I understand that a new Social Housing Strategy is to be published by Q3 2014 and that in order to assist in its development, the Housing Agency has invited submissions by 31 July 2014.
Under the provisions of the 2002 Indemnity Agreement between the Government and CORI, representing the religious congregations who managed residential institutions, the congregations agreed a contribution of €128 million by way of cash contributions, funding for counselling services and property transfers.
In response to the call for further substantial contributions following publication of the Ryan Report, the Congregations offered additional voluntary contributions of cash and properties, which they have valued at €348.51m. €110 million of cash contributions are being provided to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund (Caranua). The proposed voluntary property transfers are to various State bodies and voluntary/community organisations. In that regard I understand that a congregation has completed the transfer of two properties to social housing organisations.
My predecessor has repeatedly asked congregations to enhance their contributions towards the cost of the response to abuse and I reiterate that call now. While the Government's preference would be for additional cash contributions, further property offers could be considered, including any that would be suitable for social housing.
