Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the officials for attending and for their response. It is obviously vital that we hear from the departmental officials. There is universal support and approval among all parties and none for addressing this issue. There are things that we can do to address the short-term issues. We know there are major ongoing efforts on the medium to long-term issues which we could spend several hours discussing, but our proposals in that regard do not necessarily mirror the current policies.

This issue predates Rebuilding Ireland. I grew up in a town centre, but I know the occupancy rate in that town centre is very poor now. That is replicated throughout the country. The retail business is different now from the past. The repopulation of town centres can revitalise and bring vibrancy to those towns, villages and cities. It is great to see the commitment by the Department and the Government to streamline processes, and to put action plans and a working group in place to address the issues identified in Rebuilding Ireland. We, too, have consulted with all the stakeholders and have a commitment in the first instance to our constituents, who are the most important stakeholder.

Earlier this week, we discussed rural and urban crime. The level of frustration and anger is palpable. Fear has taken hold. When we talk to constituents, especially those living in substandard accommodation who are on housing waiting lists, we feel their fear because of the option of being forced out of existing accommodation for whatever reason, as provided for in recent legislation. This has people in a state of fear and flux, because local authorities do not have alternative accommodation available for them. It is as simple as that. These people see the dilapidated void units in the town and ask their public representatives why they are not informing them of the ways and means of releasing these properties for residential use in the short term to address the current difficulties.

We have also consulted officials, architects and professionals in local authorities and builders. I am ridiculed by some for seeking to help and assist builders by whatever means. One will not build, repair or reinstate buildings without builders. Helping builders is a nice stick to beat the likes of me and my party, but I am referring to carpenters, block layers, electricians, plasterers, labourers and the number of trades and jobs that were in the industry in the past. Do people think that the people with these skills will fall out of the sky? Do people think they are not entitled to their jobs or that they cannot contribute to the country? Of course they can and the way we can help is by ensuring that we do something constructive and positive for people who are living in substandard accommodation. It is obvious to me and my colleagues that the current system of obtaining exemptions and compliance certificates from the various sections of the local authorities is a barrier, because one has to go from one division to another and the process is costly in both money and time. As Deputy Casey said-----