Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I take this opportunity to congratulate Deputy Finneran on his recent appointment as Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with special responsibility for housing. I wish him well and thank his predecessor, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, for his kindness and courtesy on all occasions and in particular, during Question Time. The Minister of State has responsibility for housing, a serious and important issue for families particularly those suffering negative equity and those on waiting lists for local authority housing. He and his Department are challenged with the responsibility of bringing forth proposals to deal with these matters. Members on this side of the House will be exhorting the Minister to do so.

On the Bill, I indicated on Second Stage that there are various ways, other than through the use of ministerial orders or regulation, of bringing in orders as provided for in this legislation and in the context of primary legislation. Some Departments have already encountered difficulties in respect of backdating and validating decisions already made; they have been challenged in the courts. I have no problem with this belt and braces approach adopted by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

I welcome the establishment of the two regeneration companies in Limerick city and the boundary changes being executed through this legislation to ensure appropriate authorities are in place to deal with housing regeneration, in particular, in Moyross. I have no difficulty in allowing the legislation to proceed.

See this speech in context