Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his line of questions. I will take his question on the recommendations for the national Traveller accommodation authority. I recognise that the programme board is actively considering the recommendation for the national Traveller accommodation authority.

It is one of the key recommendations in the expert review group. I understand from my officials that there is work under way by the programme board to initiate a paper on the recommendations, in conjunction with the Housing Agency. I know Mr. Niall Crowley, the independent chair of the board, who is an expert in both equality and human rights, is taking this matter into consideration. I endorse this approach to ensure we have collaboration from all members of the board in that regard. I will certainly give this as careful consideration as possible. For both the NTACC and at local authority level, it is important we do not have duplication. It is also important we have oversight. I understand how important this is to some Deputies in this committee. The fact that it has been reported in both the expert report and at the Oireachtas joint committee is an important point.

As for the Deputy's question around planning exemptions, currently, there is a temporary exemption from the Part 8 approval process in place which is provided to local authorities to construct housing developments on local authority and designated State-owned lands. That includes Traveller-specific accommodation. Some local authorities use it, while others do not. However, to address the Deputy's point, where it is needed, it should be utilised. In Spring Lane, in the Deputy's own county, Part 8 approval was given by councillors, which is a really important development. Our Department granted stage 2 approval to the tune of €17.9 million to Cork city in January 2024. While I know there was considerable frustration and delay in this regard, we are now seeing progress. It will be a really important redevelopment for the Spring Lane site. It is important that this progress has been made, in the context of the challenges with the Ombudsman for Children's Office and the other issues raised.

Will the Deputy briefly repeat his other questions?