Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

If it is proposed that the existing legislative basis for the responsibility for the quality and standard of housing stock in the country, which at the moment is the responsibility of local authorities, should be changed and if both parties are now saying that they do not have confidence in their own councillors to carry out those responsibilities, we will review the situation.

In respect of the second issue, I previously made it clear to Deputy Shortall that, in my view, it was not the case that recipients of social welfare payments or rent supplement should be responsible for the tax affairs of the local landlords or landlords anywhere in the country. That would be gravely wrong. It is certainly not the case that I have no particular view on the matter. Of course, I have a view on it but it is of vital importance that the other agencies who have direct legislative responsibility for many of these issues fulfil the responsibilities they have. My Department and its officials are quite willing to work with and enhance any of the arrangements that affect the customers of the Department of Social and Family Affairs in working with the Revenue Commissioners, the local authorities or the PRTB to ensure that we have the best system for our customers and the highest quality standard of accommodation in place and that the best value for money is being achieved for the money we give out on behalf of taxpayers in this country.

See this speech in context