Arthur Morgan
Ceist:637 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the date by which he expects to have eliminated housing waiting lists in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24920/03]
Written Answers. - Social and Affordable Housing.
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The Government has been conscious of the increased level of social housing need and has been responding actively to this situation by expanding on our social and affordable housing output. For example, the total capital funding for housing this year, at €1.7 billion, is up 7% on the amount provided in 2002. The substantial increases in the level of funding for social and affordable housing is reflected in the total Exchequer capital provision for this sector in 2003 of €932 million which is more than double the amount spent in 2000 of €452 million.
The assessments of need undertaken by local authorities reflect changing needs in society and increasing demands for social housing. Within the overall envelope of resources available, the Government will maintain a strong social housing programme. It is anticipated that the total social and affordable housing output under the local authority housing programme taken with housing outputs from the voluntary housing sector and other social housing measures, as well as vacancies arising during the course of the year, will impact positively on waiting lists and meet the needs of some 13,000 households this year.