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

I fully understand where the Deputies are coming from and I am certainly happy to examine the remit of the agency. Following on from our debate on the previous grouping of amendments, we need to be clear that the LDA is not a housing authority or a planning authority. The primary responsibility for the delivery of homes and of Traveller accommodation is with the local authorities, and I agree with Deputy Ó Broin on that.

Progress is being made in that space and we must ensure that continues through the local authorities. Under section 14 of the Bill, the LDA can provide services directly to local authorities and that would include master planing and other development related works. We want mixed developments as well. They will have a role in the provision of social and affordable housing, and accommodation when requested for the Traveller community.

I want to look at the remit in more detail. I have had discussions with the relevant Ministers about this, just to let the Deputies know. The Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, has been doing an impressive job here. He has intensified contacts in that regard to ensure local authorities spend what they have been given and deliver the new homes that we need them to. We will come to this later, but I also had discussions with the Minister, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, on asylum seekers and direct provision, where we see that happening and what State agencies can play a role in that space.

I am sympathetic to the position the Deputies have put forward. It is something the LDA can have an impact on, but I just have to see how it fits best in that space. Right now on Committee Stage, I cannot accept amendment No. 5, because the LDA is not a housing authority or a planning authority and I do not want to, in any way, shape or form, dilute the authority or the responsibility of our local authorities across the country to deliver accommodation for the Traveller community. We are making progress in that space and I do not want anything to take away from that, but I understand the reason the Deputies put forward this amendment. I would like some time to look in more detail at how we can look at the remit of the LDA. I expect, in some instances, that local authorities will, under section 14, receive requests to provide services in this space. For the purpose of Committee Stage, I cannot accept amendment No. 5.