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

We could have a general housing discussion and I would disagree with most of what Deputy Ó Broin said about progress. I met representatives of the Irish Green Building Council. With regard to the MMC programme framework that is being led by the local authorities, I visit sites regularly looking at the very best of sustainable product. With regard to cross-laminated timber, I met those groups too. We established the interdepartmental working group, which is independently chaired. I want to see that done. I could discuss those issues all day that do not relate directly to the Deputy’s amendment because it is about the positioning of words that are already there and principles that are underpinned by the Government in actual delivery. Does the State have to catch up on social housing delivery particularly, with regard to methodologies and the type? I have said very openly that yes, it does and it is, by the way. In a few short weeks, the social output for social and affordable housing will be available at the end of quarter 1, when it is all verified. We will see a very significant step forward there too. These are general housing points that are all relevant and I am happy to debate them but they are not relevant to this amendment. My position on the amendment has not changed and will not change either.