First, in light of the housing crisis and the many issues people are facing in relation to notices to quit, soaring rents and insecure housing, it was disheartening to watch Deputies shout across the House at each other. A level of respect for our constituents who are facing these situations is required.

I want to raise the fact we need to increase targets for social housing developments in County Clare. This year the target is only 153. In Ennistymon, a social housing proposal has been paused due to water infrastructure constraints. Last year only 31 such homes were delivered. I have raised vacancy issues in a number of towns in Clare with the Minister previously and will follow up with a note on same. In respect of affordable housing, the Minister mentioned that he was open to extending that to other towns and villages in County Clare and I would like to follow up on that with him.

First, the targets are not ceilings. Many local authorities have exceeded the targets we have set them for social housing delivery and I want them to do that. A number of affordable housing schemes have been brought forward in Ennis and Shannon and we want to see more of them. As I mentioned previously, the vacancy grant is working very well across the country and in County Clare in particular. There are real opportunities to bring vacant stock back into use, either for people to buy or to rent long term, or for the local authorities to take them back into use. If the Deputy gives me specifics on the villages she mentioned to me, I am quite happy to engage with the local authority on her behalf. I encourage the Deputy to engage directly with the council.