Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)

The Minister mentioned how local authorities were bringing houses up to a very high standard. I believe they have no choice in doing so. From the Minister's remarks, I think this situation could be different. I agree with him. I have seen some local authority houses where good doors and other stuff were stripped out completely and just dumped and the properties were totally revamped. Is there a need for that? If there is not, local authorities should be made aware. I agree with bringing houses up to a standard where new people and new families can move in. The houses should be at a high standard, but there is no need to go to the extremes of what it is costing to bring them back into use.