Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to hold up the show but I indicated that I wished to speak on the last amendment. It should not depend on whether there is a housing need in the area as there may be other needs in a location.

The Government amendment is good, as there are many small sites that are unused and which cause problems. I agree with the Minister in that we must differentiate between derelict and unused sites, as there is a clear difference. The derelict sites legislation must be strengthened. It is a good amendment and I will support it over Deputy Murphy's, which stipulates a bigger area. It is a good move by the Government and it takes into consideration the real position on the ground in many towns, particularly in the centres, which can have many small sites. They are important and problems can be caused if they are unused.