John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)

That is disappointing, given the necessity of the work involved. I referred to the example of a particular estate in that regard.

Deputy Connolly mentioned the staffing in the planning sections of local authorities, which is critically important. Again, from the perspective of County Wicklow, l have regular and ongoing engagement with the housing staff of the county council there. They have told me that an application for 18 additional housing staff has been submitted. This requirement relates to several areas, including homelessness and a person to deal with disability issues. The council has no one dedicated to deal with that critical area in terms of housing. I refer also to social workers. In terms of an application like that for an increase in staff for local authorities under major pressure to deliver, would it go to the Department or to the Department of public expenditure and reform?