Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

There is no one better than people at local level to implement the transfer where appropriate. The last thing I want to do is to take a dictatorial attitude to whether someone should be transferred or the background reason for it. The background reason is a matter of discussion between the applicant, possibly a local representative and the housing officer involved. In 18 years as a member of a local authority, I thought this was the best way to ensure a transfer took place. Gathering statistics is one aspect of the matter and I am not against it. In fairness, Deputy Murphy is consistent on this point. The last thing I want to do is dictate to local authorities because that is the point at which matters go awry. Local authorities should receive their allocation and use the broadly standardised form in respect of the application system. The last thing the Department should want to do is tell local authorities how to effect the transfer. Every transfer should be treated on its merits and I would like to see local authorities retain autonomy.

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