Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the Traveller accommodation programme, the increased budget for last year was to try to provide 90 new units. The figure for the period to date is 67. We still expect to be able to get to 90 before the end of the year. As members know, there are ongoing problems with planning permissions, approval, consultation at local level, and even consultation with some of the relevant families. It has been a difficult area in which to achieve the spend. It is a matter we have discussed in the Dáil and elsewhere over recent years. It is an area in which we want an improvement. There is an increased budget for next year, an extra €3 million. That will put us in a position to provide more accommodation. I am not happy about our expenditure in this area and all local authorities have a responsibility in this regard. As members know, we had the review of the legislation and expenditure in this area. We asked the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee to come forward with suggestions of names to work with us on an expert commission to determine how we can improve the situation and deal with the matter under the legislation to get the money spent. I am concerned it is not targeting all the right areas. Some local authorities are not pulling their weight. Some are doing a very good job.

In the past year, we have been trying to liaise with some of the key players to make sure the money is spent. It is not enough, however. We have plans to increase the budget in the years ahead so we have to make sure we are in a position to spend it in the correct way. I am looking forward to the committee working with us on that and in trying to make changes. On the expenditure, there is an expectation that all local authorities and councillors will become involved in getting this money spent and making sure, on behalf of the Department and State, that we succeed in our plans in this area.