Northern Ireland finance minister Sammy Wilson has promised 10,000 more social and affordable homes by 2013.
His comments come after a meeting with representatives from the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, which questioned the level of funding for social housing.
Mr Wilson, speaking after the meeting, suggested that the there were "unprecedented levels of capital investment" in the region.
He added that social housing was an important area for the Northern Irish government.
"Indeed in the past month I prioritised social housing over other competing demands across government by allocating a further £20 million to the Department of Social Development," he said.
The minister was quick to add, however, that there needs to be restrained growth due to the current global financial situation.
Such a move could lead to construction jobs in Northern Ireland, with everything from plumbers to bricklayers and electricians needed for such a large-scale project.