Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to avoid any doubt in terms of the conflation of two different issues. The aim of the annual report is to ensure that the agency is accountable in terms of its actions and operations. Its performance in the context of the achievement of the objectives outlined in the legislation is outlined in the five-year report. Other State agencies have also introduced timescales to reflect their activities. The role of the LDA is to acquire sites and deliver the construction of homes and a significantly lengthy period is required to carry out the work. A five-year timescale has been deemed appropriate to best reflect how the agency is performing in terms of the Act considering the timescale required to deliver on these sites. Everyone on this committee knows the job is challenging. The Bill also provides for the Minister to request a report at any time on how the agency is adhering to its objectives.

Amendment No. 70 seeks to replace the timeline of "as soon as practicable" at section 8(6) for a timeline of "within 30 days". I am opposing amendment No. 70, as the current timeline is appropriate for such matters. Section 8 provides that the Minister can at any stage require the LDA to report to him or her on the its progress in achieving the purposes of the legislation.

In addition, the LDA would be required to report to the Minister on its progress periodically. The first report is due in 2024. Subsection (6) relates to the giving of directions by the Minister to the agency following a review of a report received under the section. The Minister shall cause copies of any direction given under this section, as currently drafted, to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as practicable after the direction is given or action taken. It is normal, as part of the governance of State agencies, that the Minister can issue a direction to an agency. These directions will generally relate to the implementation of Government policy. The LDA is required to comply with any direction issued under this section . The proposed amendment seeks to provide that the Minister shall cause copies of any direction given under this section to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 20 days of the direction given or action taken. I am opposing the amendment and allowing for ministerial directions to be laid as soon as practicable, as is appropriate for this section.