Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Deputy is correct that I do not have the detail of the Minister’s announcement next week. I agree with the Deputy about the historical under-funding of local government. This Government is attempting to address that with the resources we are announcing. We are making good strides to address the staffing shortfalls there. I can only speak about the local authorities in my constituency, including Kilkenny, where I am seeing a huge output of activity in social housing from working with approved housing bodies, AHBs. Really innovative housing projects are developing. That is happening right across the country. Despite those challenges, local government is responding well, notwithstanding the fact that we have to give those resources to them. The Deputy, therefore, makes a valid point in relation to that.

I do not have the detail on the fee scale from €9,500 to €20,000. If it is okay, we will get back to the Deputy with a written response on that.