Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My next question is in regard to the Minister's expectation of expenditure to support local authorities. Local authorities have seen a decimation in their income stream this year. As we are in uncertain times, we can predict that rates revenue will be very low. In terms of housing, we need to ensure that our local authorities are resourced to deliver on the social and affordable housing that is required. They do not have the resources to do that at the moment. The services they are delivering, which everybody takes for granted, are under threat now. It is great to say that they being given a particular amount of money to keep them going but we need to enhance them. They can be a key driver in restarting the economy as well. I would like to hear the Minister's thoughts on the supports he will give the local authorities to make sure they are the stimulation generator.