Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I do not agree with the decision that was made, but the era in which the decision was made was very different from the one we are in now. It is important that the Department examines the issue. While we need to concentrate most of our efforts on delivery on the next few years, we also have keep an eye on how we can deliver in the years after that to ensure good value for money. Other countries are good at land banking in advance. If it is done well, it also effectively releases money for community and other infrastructure that is needed. If local authorities are competing and paying for land at the top price, it pushes up the cost and constrains what can be done in delivering much-needed infrastructure.