Mary Lou McDonald
Question:31. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the housing and infrastructure unit of his Department. [19799/22]
View answerWednesday, 11 May 2022
Questions (31)
Written answers
The Housing and Infrastructure Unit supports me and the Government in building a successful society and economy through sustainable economic development; with a particular focus on housing and infrastructure policy.
This includes supporting the work of the Cabinet Committee on Housing which oversees the delivery of Housing for All.
The Unit monitors implementation of the Housing for All and prepares quarterly progress reports. The most recent of these, for Q1 2022, was published in April and shows strong progress towards fundamental reform of the housing system, and the implementation of measures to increase the supply of quality and affordable housing.
While we are seeing good progress, and we are confident that our targets for housing delivery for 2022 will be met, we fully recognise that there are many challenges to be overcome - including ongoing inflationary pressures and supply chain issues.
Given the need for accommodation arising from our humanitarian response to the situation in Ukraine, delivering on the plan is more important than ever. The Cabinet Committee will maintain focus on this delivery.
The unit supports the delivery of wider public investment through Project Ireland 2040 which falls under the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment.
As part of the broader Economic Division, it maintains an overview of progress in key policy areas in line with Government priorities, and provides me with briefing and speech material on relevant policy issues.
The unit also develops the National Risk Assessment, which plays an important role in promoting an open and inclusive discussion on the strategic risks facing the country. The National Risk Assessment for 2021/2022 was published in December.
Questions Nos. 32 to 36, inclusive, resubmitted.