Mr. Paul Benson:

I will finish the point I was making. I am aware, as all present probably are, that local authorities previously refused to carry out maintenance as a result of non-payment of rent. It is a somewhat counter-intuitive approach. The houses are owned by the local authorities and they do not wish for fabric degradation to occur. We will take the Deputy's point on board. It can be a stipulation of the scheme that rent arrears will not be a consideration.

On Roscommon, my colleague has dealt with the issues relating to the midlands. We will take back the Deputy's strong views in that regard.