John Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Regarding the first regulations, the extension is from 31 December 2024 to 31 December 2028. The rationale set out is to allow the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth greater flexibility in agreeing leases with potential accommodation providers. The issue I have is when it goes on to say the structures to be included are not changed. We are moving towards a more semi-permanent arrangement when we should limit the number of buildings and structures the regulations apply to.

For example, universities, social centres or community centres are not commercial accommodation providers where they would be looking for additional flexibility on lease arrangements in order to upgrade stock. That rationale does not hold water for many of the structures that are included and are set out in the regulations. Why has there not been an attempt to narrow the number of structures to which these regulations are applicable when we are extending them out to 2028 on the basis of the need to provide flexibility for these providers?