David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Would it be fair to say that local authorities need to get their act together and start delivering on their own plans and on Traveller accommodation once and for all? Every time we have a discussion on this issue - we have had several of them - the excuses are rolled out but there are no changes. The Secretary General has mentioned a report to be published in April. That may or may not make some structural or policy changes. The delivery of Traveller accommodation in the State is poor. Under the Act, responsibility for that lies with the local authorities, two of whose chief executives are in the room. They have to take responsibility for that, but the Department must ensure they do their job. That is why I am asking the Secretary General, as Accounting Officer, if there are very robust engagements with the local authorities to ensure they do their job.