There is no clear commitment in the programme for Government to continue the tenant in situ scheme. This is a very good scheme. It has saved many people from homelessness. Unfortunately, I am personally acquainted with a large number of people who will be homeless unless this scheme is restored immediately. Landlords have agreed to sell their houses to the local authorities but because of the delays with the scheme, local authorities are becoming impatient and are threatening to put houses on the private market. People are asking me about this. I cannot answer them and neither can the local authorities. I was in touch with the Department but it does not seem to have an answer either. When is this scheme going to be restored?

The scheme is being examined by the Ministers for housing and public expenditure. As I said earlier, there will be clarity on this next week, when I expect an announcement in respect of the scheme.

A more honest answer.

The prime focus has to be on tenants, not necessarily on landlords. We just had a debate about value for money and waste. However, when a Minister is taking a few weeks - I am not saying Deputy O'Dea is saying this; I am just saying it to the Opposition - to see whether the scheme can be retargeted or fine tuned in order to make it more targeted for vulnerable and needy people, there are those who say we should plough ahead and do what we are doing already.