Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, TD, has launched a new voluntary regulation code for approved housing bodies.

Speaking at the launch Minister O'Sullivan said: "The launch of this voluntary code marks a new era for the not-for-profit housing sector in Ireland. For the first time approved housing bodies will sign up to a code that promotes and enhances accountability and transparency. It is a step change for the sector and for its relationship with Government, funders and tenants.

"At present the not-for-profit sector contains approximately 27,000 homes. The Government has recognised that this sector has the capacity to play a significant role in social housing supply in the coming years. I want to encourage and facilitate that development, and providing a clear, transparent regulatory system is one of the ways the Government can assist the sector.

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"We have consulted extensively with the sector in drafting the code and I expect widespread take-up of the initiative across the sector. My long-term plan is to introduce a statutory regulatory system during the lifetime of this Government. The experience we gain from the operation of the voluntary code will shape my approach to a future statutory code so I would encourage all approved housing bodies to play their part in making the voluntary code a success.

"Having a clear, transparent regulatory system will allow the not-for-profit sector to develop. It will enable the sector to access private finance to complement the state-funding that it currently receives. A regulatory system will also increase the knowledge and confidence that tenants, local authorities and other stakeholders have about the sector."

(CD/JP)