925. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of leasing arrangements that have been established between Westmeath County Council, Longford County Council and the National Asset Management Agency to make properties available for the purpose of social housing; the number of persons in counties Westmeath and Longford that have been adequately housed as a result of these agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37914/13]

My Department continues to work closely with NAMA, the Housing Agency and local authorities in identifying properties suitable for social housing.  Properties that are deemed suitable may be leased or purchased by local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies through engagement with the property owners or, on their behalf, appointed insolvency practitioners, facilitated by NAMA.

A number of properties in Westmeath and Longford have been identified as suitable for social housing through this process and are currently the subject of negotiation with a view to leasing. In Westmeath specifically, four properties made available by NAMA were purchased by Túath Housing Association through the Capital Assistance Scheme in December 2012. These 3-bed properties are currently tenanted by four families.