Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)

Nobody disputes that it is a matter for the elected members to adopt a housing allocation scheme. However, when the draft of a scheme is introduced or amendments are proposed at draft stage, there is nothing wrong in seeking representations or submissions from the bodies referred to in this amendment. In the case of county or city development plans, for instance, drafts must be made available to all interested parties before elected members adopt the scheme. It would not in any way interfere with the rights and responsibilities of elected members if the draft of a housing scheme were to be made available to various bodies, including the Oireachtas, so that there is an opportunity to make submissions before the elected members ultimately adopt the allocation regulations.

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