184. Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the 121 vacant council houses unoccupied throughout County Sligo; how and when these will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34777/15]

I am very conscious of the need to have all vacant social housing that is lettable made available to those on housing waiting lists. For that reason, my Department is providing funding support to Sligo County Council, and to all other local authorities, to return all lettable vacant social housing units that they have identified to productive use.

My Department has no involvement in the allocation of social housing; this is a matter for individual local authorities.