Over 30 local authorities in Ireland refused 4,500 units of accommodation for social housing since 2011, Nama has revealed.

The statement made by Nama at the Public Accounts Committee has been described as "scandalous" by the Labour party.

Labour TD Joe Costello said: "These were houses and apartments that were partially or fully built. Now they have been sold to the private sector and are gone forever. 4,500 units could have solved the homeless crisis with something to spare. In fact, they could have prevented the homeless crisis because they were sold since 2011.

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"This is a scandal and local authorities must answer for their failure to address the accommodation shortage given that they are the statutory housing authorities and were offered the resources to provide the housing for those in dire need."

(CD)