Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will read the note with which I have been provided and I will come back to the specific points that have been raised.

I turn now to amendments Nos. 370 and 381, tabled jointly by Deputies Boyd Barrett, Bríd Smith and Gino Kenny. Sections 44(4)(b) and 45(4)(b) provide that both city and non-city housing strategies may indicate in respect of areas zoned for residential or mixed use either that there is no requirement for social, affordable or cost-rental housing in that area, or that a lower percentage than that specified in the housing strategy may instead be required to counteract undue segregation in housing between persons of different social backgrounds. Amendments Nos. 370 and 381 seek to delete paragraph (b) in these sections in their entirety and remove this discretion in respect of both non-city and city housing strategies.

The housing strategy is carefully balanced to take account of the various inputs into considering housing policy and its spatial implications within a functional area. On that basis I am not minded to accept the amendments. I will come back on a number of points that are germane to this. I am a strong believer in Part V. I come from a city where we have large demands on social housing. I welcomed it when the Part V requirement could not be bought out. I have seen where it has worked very well where a development goes ahead and there should be 10% to 20% social housing in the estate. In my experience, I have not seen where Part V social housing has not worked. I want to see more affordable housing coming through the Part V requirement as well. I come from a city that has gone through regeneration. Deputy Ó Broin spoke about Moyross. Moyross is very vibrant. It has a great school with a great principal.