There has been much talk since I was elected to the House about homelessness and the provision of housing and several schemes have been implemented to deal with those issues, such as the repair and leasing scheme. However, that scheme only applies to larger towns, such as Killarney, Tralee and Dingle in Kerry. Rural villages and parishes are left behind, many of which contain houses that are lying idle and would provide grand shelter for the elderly or homeless. However, the repair and leasing scheme does not extend to those rural areas, although the Minister has previously contradicted me in the House when I have raised this issue. The repair and leasing scheme does not extend to rural villages, towns or the wider rural area, even where there are several houses which a small bit of work would make fit for habitation.

I thank Deputy Healy-Rae for his question. The repair and leasing scheme extends to all towns and villages but is demand-led such that if the local authority determines a demand for the repair and leasing scheme, it takes appropriate houses back into use for social housing needs. If Deputy Healy-Rae has specific examples, I can raise them with the local authority.