Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

What is needed for local housing policy is genuine democratic structures. I agree with some of the principles in this Bill, such as the principle of integrated housing, something we did not have before.

I warn other Members who may speak on the matters in section 11. Considerable powers are being taken yet no one will ever be able to consult the Minister about an individual case. That is probably proper.

I will argue against particular details in the Bill. Section 20 states that a household will be ineligible for allocation of a house if, as a tenant of any housing authority, the household or any household member was in rent arrears for an accumulated 12 week period in the three year period immediately prior to the assessment. That should be removed from the Bill. We are facing into a situation where 500,000 people will be unemployed. Anything could happen to families and their incomes. The above provision, which may apply to any member of the household, will be inapplicable and should be removed. I look forward to exchanging views with the Acting Chairman on Committee Stage.

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