Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

I am grateful for the opportunity to ask the Taoiseach a question on the issue. I welcome this task force. I know Ms Davis and I wish her well. I ask the Taoiseach's opinion on the fact that much frustration exists among communities in trying to get things done in competition against the private sector. I know this as somebody who has worked and continues to work in communities. This even extends to getting land for social housing. A community looking to provide basic housing for local citizens may have to compete with people who wish to build many houses for profit.

Other projects I have been involved in are other examples. There is much difficulty in communities trying to raise a percentage of a price in competing with the private sector for sites or other lands. With regard to nursing homes, some communities are anxious to support people in their own community, but this is not possible because of competition from the private sector. There is a lack of assistance from the State to communities.

I ask the Taoiseach, in the context of citizenship, to support the people who are trying to act as I have described but cannot do so because of unfair competition and lack of input from the State. I would like the Taoiseach's opinion on the matter.

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