Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

That is the problem. Kildare County Council uses the same form regardless of whether it is a fresh application for housing or a transfer request, so that is counted in the figures for those seeking housing. It distorts the figures. It also removes the prospect of gathering information on why transfers are sought. There are a number of reasons, such as health matters and the size of the household, but the main one is anti-social behaviour. There are some brilliant tenant liaison officers but even with the best will in the world they can only do so much. There must be a multi-agency approach. Is the Minister aware that there is a cost in the provision of transfers? Plumbing and electrics must be checked. Calculating the cost of the transfers would show there is some value for money in what I am saying if one captures information and deals with it. Does the Minister of State agree that one must capture this information in order to plan for needs and respond to the difficulties? The last time the Minister of State attended Question Time, I asked if he would consider an online version. Will the Minister of State consider the same thing for a transfer form, with the same application form used nationally?

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