The Government has defended the administration of schemes to bring vacant and derelict homes back into use as new figures show a very low drawdown so far.
Just 21 grants have been paid out under the Vacant Homes Refurbishment Scheme and the Dereliction scheme since they were announced 18 months ago.
In the Dáil, Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said the schemes were "completely failing" and administration problems have meant that people cannot draw down funds in a timely manner.
Finance Minister Michael McGrath said the scheme was a good one which is proving popular and will bring empty homes back into use.
He said over 4,800 applications had been received with 2,200 approved so he said a lot of activity and work is underway.
Mr McGrath said Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien would engage on any issues in the operation of the schemes.
Mr Doherty said the Government needed to be far more ambitious in tackling vacancy and 4,400 homes should be brought back into use every year.
He also said the Government would probably miss its social and affordable home targets this year.
Meanwhile, Labour TD Duncan Smith has accused the Government of "failing" those who are "clamoring" for "green, climate friendly and affordable" public transport.
He noted that National Transport Authority (NTA) chief executive Anne Graham has warned that major transport projects will face increasing delays if the "huge hole" in infrastructure budgets is not filled.
He said that the Government "is dragging its heels on delivering the type of transport infrastructure projects we need".
Taking Leaders' Questions, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath responded that the Budget allocation to the Department of Transport is "over three and a half billion euro" which is "an increase of €90m on gross expenditure levels in 2023".
He noted the "20% reduction in average fares; the 50% reduction indeed for younger people".
"We are fully committed to a wide range of major public capital and transport projects," he insisted.
Deputy Smith said that while the "fare reduction is welcome", it is useless if "public transport doesn't exist".
