Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I mentioned it, but I refer to every organisation, including ladies' football and camogie among a wide array of sports. A considerable amount of activity is required.

People need more pride in the areas in which they live, since much leadership could come from it. Some months ago, I attended a presentation in my constituency at which various groups won prizes for keeping their estates well. When one drives into their estates, one sees people's pride in the upkeep. To instil this pride in people, there should be more competitions and encouragement.

In my local authority area, people who get two-bedroom houses are unable to purchase them later. People's economic circumstances change and, for various reasons, they would like to buy the houses, but there seems to be a regulation involved. Does it apply to my local authority area alone or has the Department ruled on the matter? We live in a country in which people like to own their own houses. In recent years, I have dealt with many cases of people who, after their financial circumstances changed drastically enough to allow them to make a purchase, wanted to buy their two-bedroom houses. Will the Minister of State clarify the situation and the Government's opinion on the matter. A rota of people would be necessary, but people should be allowed to buy their own homes if they can afford to do so. I would like to see changes in this respect.

As a nation, we like to have our own houses, live in our own communities, raise our families, stay with our parents or whatever the case may be. We should do everything to encourage good quality housing and a good environment in which people can live and rear their families. The main difficulty is the antisocial behaviour found in some housing estates. Recently, Tipperary town had a significant issue in this regard. People who were housed only a short time ago sent out a bad signal. It is a pity that towns get a bad name thanks to people who have been given top class houses by local authorities that bent over backwards to help them.

In the context of the Bill, the Dáil should acknowledge all of the work done by people in local authorities, including housing officers who try to overcome difficult situations.

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