Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I confirm I am in Leinster House. I thank the witnesses. This has been a very informative discussion and it has been great to get all of the witnesses' viewpoints. This is very exciting legislation that will deliver affordable homes and affordable rental in secure and long-term leases. That is something we all share as a goal. The Housing Agency plays a key role in delivering social housing and I agree it has the skills, experience and knowledge to play a key role in delivering cost rental affordable housing. I would not want to see any sector have a monopoly in the delivery of any particular type of home. This is why it is so important that the Housing Agency is involved but also that we get other viewpoints.

I agree with what the CCMA representatives said with regard to local authorities being best placed to know their own land and what is best suited for the land. I know the association is doing a lot of work on land mapping. I am conscious that target setting was mentioned in the opening statement. I am interested to hear what the witnesses have to say on how these targets are being set and how they feel they should be set. They spoke about the need to acquire new land banks to meet the housing targets, which is quite welcome. It will be interesting to see how the Land Development Agency figures in this. Mr. Curran mentioned many of the acquisitions in the pipeline and Mr. Taaffe spoke on that too. Does what they spoke about cover Shanganagh? Are we looking at schemes similar to this that will all be done in collaboration with the Land Development Agency? How will the Land Development Agency figure in this? Mr. Taaffe spoke about the design and build scheme and I wonder about streamlining the frameworks. He spoke about the economies of scale that will be delivered. Will there also be an acceleration in the delivery of these homes?