Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Casey. He saved me the job of having to say that. I am going to conclude the meeting because there are no more contributors. From today's discussion, I am still not clear in my own mind because each has made very valid points. As Dr. Casey said at the end there, I do not think this has been proposed as the be-all and end-all and the solution to the housing crisis. However, it may arm the legislators with some confidence that they could go further with legislation than may have been the case. Our job, as a committee, is to look at this, and having read the reports and having had other meetings on this, report back to the Minister with our views and opinions. The committee will look at reporting back. We are not going to have much time to do a very lengthy report on this but we could accurately reflect the views and opinions expressed today. I am of the view that it is something the committee should try to complete over the next week or two, bearing in mind that the Minister has already indicated to us that he will be bringing together a further group of experts. He has looked to the committee to input into that structure as well.

I am always conscious that when people appear before committees, something always occurs to them later, on their way home on the bus or the next day, that they forgot to say. If anything occurs to the witnesses, please send us on any further views. We had a very well-rounded panel of contributors today from the legal, construction and research areas, from those working in these areas throughout their lives. I thank the witnesses for their help to the committee.