Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The addition of a statutory requirement on a housing authority to supply explanations for the reasons it might have for not fully taking on board proposals submitted during consultation on a housing services plan would not be appropriate. It would not serve any useful purpose in this instance.

It is important to strike the right balance between ensuring transparency in the forward planning processes of housing authorities and giving authorities the appropriate powers to do that effectively. The Bill as it stands strikes that balance and I do not propose to accept the Deputy's amendment.

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