Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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It was a comprehensive answer which provided much food for thought for community groups. They can look at it and consider how to move forward.

At a time when there is such a dire housing need, it is disappointing that there is a figure of just 10% for social housing rather than 20%. Is it possible to ensure more family-friendly units will be built? It is more lucrative for developers to build two-bedroom units, but we encounter families who need accommodation with three and four bedroom.

The Minister of State says there will be a substantial community gain, yet he does not wish to use the words "community gain" as suggested in the amendment. That is surprising. Is it playing with words? I do not know, but it was good to hear what he had to say about what would be available to communities.

Regarding the SDZ, the Minister of State said he would be looking at all of the dockland communities in this area, yet he will not recognise that they should be part of what we are discussing.

Deputy Joe Costello spoke about local employment. We know that people living in the area felt very let down on the employment of young people from the area when the massive development was taking place in the past. The few local people who were given the opportunity to move into employment, be it in financial services or otherwise, are still working there and doing very well. There is a group of 18 to 21 year olds who cannot avail of the community employment scheme, but they would be ideal candidates for employment in this area, as well as training and apprenticeships. The Minister of State does not wish to include it in the Bill, but is there some way of bringing it about in order that the community can be assured that this time it will not be left behind and that it will not be a case of "them and us"?

We have had meetings about the plan with Dublin City Council. There are many positive items in the plan, but we would like all of it to be positive for local communities.