Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like clarification on one or two points. Staffing and resources have been mentioned numerous times. Some figures were given very recently. Any additional staff that are required in the delivery of housing on any level can be directly linked with or charged to the Department. I have a figure for the number of jobs sanctioned in the past year or so, but I would like the Minister to verify it. I know it takes time for local authorities to complete the process of hiring people. In respect of the jobs that were sanctioned, it is my understanding that interim staff can be contracted to bridge the gap in order that construction is not delayed. That has been pointed out in the committee numerous times. We need to reaffirm that with local authorities and make sure they are using that tool.

It is a massive issue but we are losing sight of the complexities that are involved. I have heard many numbers being bashed around in the last hour or two. Behind all these numbers are people. We cannot lose sight of the fact that these people are going through a very difficult time in their lives. Regardless of what we say here, it is the policies we decide that will get them a home and a roof over their heads. We cannot become distracted from that objective by messing around with figures when we could spend our time discussing policies to be implemented to get houses on the ground. That is what our focus must be, although it is fine with me if members may take a different view.

I have a figure on the number of staff that have been approved and sanctioned and it is substantial. Will the Minister confirm that figure? While I am aware of the difficulties local authorities are experiencing in recruiting staff, I do not know whether they are contracting staff. We need to reaffirm and inform local authorities that this option is available. Properly resourced teams also come down to staffing. It is my understanding that it is up to the county manager to identify where those needs and deficits are and to make sure those positions are filled. I would not expect the Minister to micromanage that aspect.

Deputy Boyd Barrett is correct that we sat on the issue of Shanganagh for years, including many years of the recession. Deputy Boyd Barrett, Senator Boyhan and I were on the same council in 2008 when we saw a massive reduction in Part 8 development and the withdrawal of Government funding and when we became completely reliant on the private sector. We cannot lose sight of that because we all saw it happen. We are trying to rebuild in that area despite the complexities around sites that have infrastructure deficits, may be partially zoned or serviced, and may have problems around access. The local infrastructure housing activation fund, LIHAF, is addressing a number of those issues.

I know Rebuilding Ireland is two years old but we always said it would be the end of the second or third year before results would come on stream. The simple idea which I always try to explain to people is that if I wish to apply for planning permission to build an extension or a house in my garden, it may take the best part of year to complete the process. I may have to wait on drawings before submitting an application. I will then have to wait on the application to go through the process, which the Government has streamlined to be of assistance. It also takes time to find a contractor to do the work. We are only two years into Rebuilding Ireland. We are trying to bring up staffing and resources, get the banking sector to a position of providing finance and get contractors on site in circumstances where we have construction staff shortages on many levels. We cannot lose sight of the complexities involved. Behind all that, we are getting distracted by numbers instead of talking about people.

There are a number of issues I would like clarified on local authority staffing and the Shanganagh site. I know there have been many meetings on this very good proposal from all councillors in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The proposal has also been supported by the council executive. The Department was supportive of this site from early in the process and continues to be supportive, especially when it came to LIHAF funding and attempts to fast-track the proposal for 540 units. We can discuss the breakdown whether all housing on the site should be social units or whether it should be a mix of private and social units but that is a matter for the councillors on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to decide. The emphasis is on getting the site up and running. I have asked only one or two questions on which I need answers. I would like to focus on delivery rather than making a political football of the issue.