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

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Deputy. The term "housing market" refers to the full housing market, be it public or private, and all tenures of housing being delivered within a local authority area. One would also expect that would covers things such as changes in census results, which would be dealt with anyway. I assure the Deputy that the term "housing market" does not just relate to the private market. It could relate to changes within a local authority area, for example, provision of a new wastewater treatment plant or something like that, which increases capacity, or the other way. The section provides for a report to members of a local authority of things that would significantly affect the housing development strategy.

The definition is broad enough. The definition of "housing market" does not just speak to the private market. However, if the Deputy has any suggestions in that regard, I would be happy to look at them. If he believes that the definition needs to be further strengthened, I am open to looking at it. As a matter of record to the committee, I can say that the term "housing market" does not just relate to the private market; it relates to housing in that authority area.