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

I thank Deputy Higgins for the incredible work she has been doing and the support she has given to our housing strategy in her constituency, Dublin Mid-West, and nationally. I mean that genuinely. She has been very progressive and positive about things.

Yes, we track allocation of moneys and outputs. We give funding only on a recoupment basis. The work has to be done before we give it, so we know what the funding is given for.

As for a clerk of works post, those types of posts and project manager posts will be announced in the coming days. We are considering that.

Deputy Higgins is right that animal welfare is really important. It generally falls under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine but I can raise the matter with my colleague, the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, because there is interaction between his Department and local authorities. The matter is mainly a function of his Department, but the Deputy makes a very good point and I understand completely why she has raised it. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy McConalogue.

Deputy Higgins's council is South Dublin County Council, and I have been out there with her a number of times. Tandy's Park is magnificent. That whole area is seeing new homes built for families with brilliant new facilities being delivered in partnership between the local authority and the private sector. The local authority is doing it with State money; private builders are doing it as well. Everyone, public and private, has to work together to deliver the facilities we need. There is no utopia where the State will do everything for everyone. It does not work that way. It is good that we are delivering good, affordable homes and facilities for people.

I ask Deputy Higgins to come directly to me on any other matters she wishes to raise. I thank her for her support.