Labour accuses Govt of social housing cash shortfall

The Labour Party has accused the Government of failing to provide the money needed to fund a proper affordable housing programme.

According to the National Economic and Social Council, 73,000 units will have to be constructed over the next seven years to meet the demand for social housing.

Labour spokesman Eamon Gilmore claims this would cost €600m per year more than the Government had allocated towards affordable housing.

"Given that the Government has been waiting all year for the NESC report, I think the Minister [for Housing] should now clarify if the Government are in fact accepting the NESC recommendations," said Deputy Gilmore.

"And if they are accepting them, then when is he going to announce an increase in the money allocation in order to meet the target of 73,000 houses?"