Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I know Deputy Daly's response to these matters is to raise more taxes, in other words, to get more money in income tax from people and then we will be able to provide every possible service. We have put that view to the test with the electorate in February and the Deputy's party failed; two members of the Socialist Party were elected while 76 members of Fine Gael were elected. That particular philosophical argument has been already put to the test. I assert there is spare capacity in local government relative to other years. Deputy Daly would not be expected to know the situation in every local authority but I get reports on a regular basis from all local authorities. There is spare capacity but not in every local authority, just in some local authorities. I will find the necessary resources to ensure this inspection regime is carried out. It is a matter for the Minister for Finance when the issue will arise as to whether funds will be made available in the form of a home improvement grant to carry out these remediation works. We should first wait to see what the inspection throws up. The issue may not be as big as the Deputy purports.

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