Mr. John Hannigan:

In response to Deputy Ó Broin's comments, we would all welcome continued oversight by the committee. It is important from a political perspective and also from a practical perspective that oversight is there. If that could be arranged, we would welcome it.

In terms of the assessment of the fiscal impact, as has already been said by Dr. Donal McManus, we are doing some work in that respect. We are also aware the Department has been in discussions with the regulator who has all of our data and information for the past two years, which it has sought. Our assumption is that there will be a further follow-up discussion with them in respect of the data once they have collated it all. We know they are being active. They have not spoken to any of us directly at this point but we are hoping that will be part of the departmental group that is formed.

I agree with my colleague, Mr. Gene Clayton, that the Housing Alliance is one of the oldest and not just one of the best charities in the country. All the housing bodies are charities.

We all cherish that with great gusto and we do not want that to change. I operated in the UK environment for quite a period and, therefore, I understand it well. The UK approach has changed significantly over the past ten years, but more so over the past few years, because of this classification. Options are available within our sector in Ireland that will not impact on the charitable status. It requires some rethinking of how we do things but the nature of what we do and how we do it can be maintained even though structural changes may be required around us.