Departmental Offices

Thursday, 20 March 2025

Ceisteanna (56)

Conor Sheehan

Ceist:

56. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm when he will establish the Strategic Housing and Infrastructure Delivery Office, as outlined in the Programme for Government; if the office will be underpinned by legislation or sit within the existing structures of his Department; if he has developed the criteria and detailed job description for the chief of the office; what the expected remuneration or public service grade of the position will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12701/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department is currently engaging with other Government Departments on establishing the new Strategic Housing Activation Office. Generally, it is intended the new office will work to strengthen our approach to providing the enabling infrastructure needed for public and private housing development, and that it will be mandated to accelerate the delivery of necessary housing infrastructure and unblock infrastructure delays on the ground.

The specific details vis-à-vis the new office's role, functions, staffing and reporting arrangements are still being considered as part of the broader cross-government engagement.

While it is mine and Government's intention to establish the office as a matter of priority, we are very mindful of the need to secure the appropriate leadership and supporting team so the office can have the greatest immediate and sustained impact possible. This is a key consideration of the current cross-government engagements.