Fianna Fail is calling for the projected €3 billion profit by NAMA to be invested in a new social housing provision vehicle as a matter of priority.

Figures obtained by the party also revealed that only one in three of the units identified by NAMA for social housing have actually been utilised by local authorities.

The PQ data highlights that, as of September 2017, over 4,000 units have not been used for social housing as planned.

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Spokesperson on Housing Barry Cowen TD said: "The most up to date figures on the underutilisation of NAMA units is a damning indictment of Government strategy. Local authorities have refused over 4,000 units and even failed to take up almost 400 more that they had identified as suitable for social housing.

"The increase in child homelessness at Christmas is particularly shameful. It should focus minds in Government that 3,300 children are in such dire circumstances at what should be a special time for them. The failure to make the most of NAMA units has been fully confirmed by these figures. The Government should ensure all remaining available units are now taken up."

(CD/MH)