Ms Mary Hoade:

I will answer the first part of the question and Councillor Colgan will answer the question on housing. I thank Deputy McAuliffe for his comments. Certainly, we would be happy to engage with him in future. It is a great opportunity to engage with the committee and we would be delighted to do so on any issue.

On electoral reform, our association has had an initial meeting with Minister of State, Deputy Malcolm Noonan. We are also discussing this whole area and would love an opportunity to discuss directly elected mayors with the Deputy.

Regarding the Bill, I totally hear what the Deputy is saying. To go back to the lines a number of others used, it is about partnership, working collaboratively and working together on it. Our track record has not been great in the past. We all acknowledge that and the fact that there is an issue, but it is about all of us stepping up to the mark. The Deputy is right in his questions on whether we are above or below five on Part 8. I can tell him that, unfortunately, we are below five. I will hand over to Councillor Colgan who will answer the other part of the question.