Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The houses that the housing agencies provide to people, often after buying them in groups, are of an extremely high standard. That is not the question. I totally disagree with what has been said in one respect. This is the way forward from the Government's point of view. I hope the credit unions work on the tier 3 we are looking at because that is important. I still think people should have the option of buying after ten or 15 years in a house. I think it should be given to them. I would stand firm on that. The other issue I would like to raise is not a major one. I am concerned about the timescale of the delivery of the houses. I think that is crucial in one sense. When a housing estate is built, how quick is the delivery? I think that is crucial. As the witnesses are aware, we have had separate dealings with the different bodies. I asked a question about this but I did not get a reply. I welcome the once-off purchases that all the housing bodies are doing now. They are providing houses that people need and that has to be welcomed. That is not even an issue here. I have never had an issue with the standard of any of the houses that have been provided by the housing bodies. They have an excellent standard in that sense.

I hope the plans for the credit unions work as we go forward. It is crucial because we have a housing crisis. What is the timing? I find that the timing can sometimes be slow. Do the housing bodies have a regulation or rule that requires them to complete their work within a certain timeframe after they purchase a house or get a housing estate through NAMA? I know they have worked very well with NAMA. I compliment them on that. They have always taken on the houses. I know they have been working on this issue.

Overall, we have to be positive here today. There are some little things that people come to me about. It is a question of political representation. I will make sure to say this if anyone comes to me again. I had felt that this issue needed to be addressed. These are just concerns that I have. I think we are positive here. We need to get more housing. I think the housing bodies have good plans and ideas for the future. That is really welcome.