Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will respond quickly on those amendments. I have already responded to two. Amendments Nos. 41 to 43 are another example of stripping functions from the LDA, which is a State-owned agency to develop and manage our own lands. It is clear from the short two hours of discussion we have had today that Sinn Féin does not want the LDA to build any homes or to plan to build any homes or any infrastructure. If Sinn Féin had its way, we would be left with a skeleton and would have nothing of any relevance. We need to get on with the job in hand. I cannot accept these amendments tabled by Deputies Ó Broin and Gould.

The section provides for the establishment of the LDA and ensures that in the performance of its functions, economies of scale and efficiencies are achieved through a single entity providing services such as preparation of master plans, design and project management. This is in addition to local authorities but not instead of them. Local authorities will still be delivering the vast bulk of social homes. This is about all of the other lands that we have been talking about that are not being used and about allowing the agency to have the ability to plan for their use. It would be incongruous, if not incredible, not to allow the agency to do that. It does not make sense. I am opposing these amendments because the LDA has been and will be tasked with providing services for the preparation of master plans, design and project management. That is its mandate. The LDA employs experienced staff with extensive skills to do those various tasks, to complement the work of the very experienced and exceptional staff in our local authorities. I will be opposing the amendments tabled by Deputies Ó Broin and Gould.