Mr. Peter Hynes:

Local authorities do not have an issue with taking on liability – we carry lots of liability as matters stand – provided we have the appropriate inspection regime and proper control and sanctions when required. They are part of the same equation.

On the question of small towns and villages, which are of particular concern for rural authorities, other factors need to form part of this discussion. Trying to get our small towns and villages repopulated is partly about some kind of financial incentive to make it more attractive to move to the core of a town rather than to undertake a self-build on its edge, which has been the norm for at least two generations. Quality of life issues also need to form part of the thought process, although I acknowledge that they cannot be addressed in this Bill.