Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his kind welcome. This is a very familiar setting to me as I spent over four years here. I enjoyed every moment of it and see many familiar as well as some new faces. I look forward to working with Members in my new capacity.

I cannot accept amendment No. 10. The purpose of prescribing the appropriate period by way of regulations as opposed to primary legislation is to create flexibility to change the period set if it becomes impractical. While I accept that the Senator's purpose is to ensure minimal disruption and confusion for the households concerned, this must be balanced against what is practical for housing authorities. The period that will be prescribed under the section will be set in consultation with housing authorities and can be the subject of review once the scheme is operational to ensure the correct balance between consideration of HAP recipients and housing authorities' practical requirements has been struck. Prescribing the period as suggested by the Senator would make it more difficult to follow through on the outcome of any review in the period set. In that context, I ask her to withdraw the amendment.