Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Sorry Chair, I should not be questioning that. I want to be associated with the very positive comments that other members of the committee have made about the role of councillors. There is great appreciation from all of us who have worked as councillors in local authorities for the work all of the organisations' members are doing, in particular in recent times.

I have two questions. There was a reference made to the 30,000 - I think that figure is correct - social homes which are in the pipeline. They are in various approval processes by local authorities. In terms of speeding up delivery, what do the witnesses think needs to be done regarding the approval process or the engagement with the Department to speed up the delivery of social homes by local authorities? What sort of challenges do local authorities face in that regard?

Local authorities play an important role in building up public land banks for social and affordable housing. They do that on a long-term basis. Do the witnesses have any concerns with this Bill and the role of the LDA in acquiring land by local authorities? In the long run, that could act as a disincentive to local authorities in building up their public banks. What are the witnesses' views on that?