Mr. David Smith:

Yes. To respond to the Senator's first question, we are working through the implications of the CSO's decision. It must be acknowledged that the CSO is an independent body that makes independent decisions on these matters and that we must work within the parameters set accordingly. If we require further clarification on any issues as we work through this, we will go back to the CSO and ask it to clarify matters. It is also important, in the context of the proposed working group, that we examine all these issues. The point we are making is that it is important for us to understand how best we can advance the policy, the Government's action plan, and that we understand fully the implications of this decision, both its fiscal impact and the impact on Government expenditure and borrowing. I am just reiterating what the Minister has clearly stated, that is, that it is his intention to ensure that the Government's action plan is fully implemented and that we achieve the 50,000 target by the end of 2021.

Regarding the make-up of the working group, it is important we have a small working group that can work through the technical issues on this. We value very much the views of the AHB sector. Our Department has been in constant contact with the Irish Council for Social Housing on this issue over the past 12 months. We will engage fully with the sector and take on board or have regard to the views it expresses, but the group will very much deal with working out the technical issues involved. Therefore, it is appropriate it be made up of the representatives I have outlined.