Mr. Eugene Cummins:

I thank the Chairman for the opportunity to respond. Can I say to our friends in the Traveller community and, indeed, everyone else, that the County and City Management Association is absolutely committed to providing the best accommodation for everyone on our housing list, especially children who are living in deplorable conditions? I have seen them and it is terrible. We are very committed but we really need a buy in and an acceptance that there are broad issues that have to be addressed. We need to sit around the table to get them addressed and dealt with and get buy in from everyone.

It is necessary to acknowledge that there are problems that need to be addressed and, in some instances, to stop the situations that exist. Let no one think for a second that we are not committed. We are very much aware of our obligations. I assure the committee that sending money back is not an option we ever like to take. We only consider doing so if we have to. I will not get into that issue today. I assure members of our full commitment to the expert review report. We have reservations which I have highlighted, but that does not take away from our commitment to comply with our obligations. I thank members for the opportunity to come back before the committee to say that. I hope to meet members in other forums, where I will say the same thing to them.