Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Hoade of the AILG and Mr. Sheahan of LAMA for their comprehensive opening statements. To remind everyone, two items are on our agenda. One is the LDA, but the second is other local government matters, and I want to address those separately.

I have heard from the LDA, LAMA and the AILG of concerns about the management of our land assets. We need a property management structure if we are to produce housing.

The key issue, which was touched on by Ms Colgan on a number of occasions, is the aspect of affordability. What is affordability? We must define and fully understand it. My interpretation of affordability is that it pertains to no more than 30% of one's disposable income so we must build that in. The reality is that many people are locked out of housing. That is a real issue. On a personal point, and I have said this many times before, I do not have any ideology or hang-ups on who is building houses. I want houses built - private, public, social or AHB houses - anywhere we can for people who need homes. There is so much lost in the endless debate about the ideology around who is building homes. Clearly they must be affordable homes. We see that Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance and various AHBs are building now. It is a difference scenario now so it is not comparing like with like but the reality of it is that people perform.

In relation to the AILG, I thank the witnesses for what was a very impressive submission and the setting out of the 14 amendments, which I have no difficulty supporting. Today, I commit that I will pursue every single one of them if this matter comes before Seanad Éireann. There have been suggestions about section 183 and I acknowledge what the witnesses had to say about it. What I hear from people in Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, others parties and those not in a party is that they believe there is a redline around section 183 and that they are not prepared to go there. They do not want to see a compromise and I agree with them on that. Based on the engagement I have had from councillors from all groups, I am running on that basis until I hear something better. I thank the witnesses for their engagement. I would like to think there will be more engagement with both organisations and our committee.

I want to single out Councillor Gerry Warnock. He recently had press coverage and a statement published in the Longford Leader. He also spoke about how the LDA was seen to be usurping the powers and reserve functions of elected members. I share and agree with that sentiment. I want to hear more about the definition of affordability, which has been touched on by both groups. I want to hear from LAMA in relation to a line from its statement that "Only in exceptional circumstances under Ministerial direction should land be acquired from a local authority without the consent of the chamber." Can Mr. Sheahan tease out what is meant by this?

In wrapping up, I cannot let the opportunity to acknowledge the enormous work of the elected members go, in particular those in the community call and the response around Covid. However, more importantly, it is very disappointing that we cannot share with councillors any absolute certainties in relation to recommendations on remuneration and allowances, which support them in doing their work. I continuously receive correspondence, letters and calls from councillors, with or without a party affiliation, who find themselves dipping into their domestic household income to subsidise their important community work. Quite rightly, that is unacceptable. Witnesses from both organisations might share with the committee what their latest understanding is of the Moorhead recommendations. Are there elements which have been shared with them? Have they received any indication from Government on where we stand in relation to what are really important issues about the work they do? I would particularly like to hear from witnesses on those issues.