John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the legislation and particularly the main provisions, some of which were outlined by Deputy Lawlor. Tenant purchase is a mechanism that would allow tenants of local authorities to buy their properties and own them independently but the process was suspended some time ago. This legislation allows for a new tenant purchase scheme, which is to be welcomed. There are also changes which enable local authorities to act on persistent matters of anti-social behaviour in local authority housing, which would be welcomed by everybody and particularly the law-abiding local authority or social housing tenants.

I will touch on a couple of issues as Kilkenny is no different from most parts of the world. In the past few years we have seen a major increase in the number of people on the housing list. As Deputy Lawlor argued, as a result of the Part V arrangement entered into by the former Minister, Noel Dempsey, a number of years ago, local authorities essentially privatised the development of social housing around the country. The process has not been successful. Deputy Troy spoke about his support for the Part V provisions but in my time in the other House, his associate, former Senator Donie Cassidy, spoke about tremendous value five or six years ago in buying properties worth approximately €200,000 at the time in Castlepollard, County Westmeath. I would like to know what they are now worth, as he advised all the Members of the other House at the time to invest in property in Castlepollard. That has not worked out.

There are laws relating to derelict sites. In Kilkenny I was involved with a number of towns and villages in my time as a member of the local authority, and we sought to ensure that the county council could take over some derelict sites and have them redeveloped for social housing. In this city and throughout the country there is a proliferation of derelict sites and the law allows for compulsory purchase if the owner of the site in question does not improve it. It is a somewhat complicated process but it could provide access for local authorities to a number of brownfield sites, some of which are in town or city centre locations, for social housing development. I welcome yesterday's announcement by the Government in that the stimulus package will have a provision for funding for up to 800 additional units across the country. It is but a drop in the ocean but it is also a step in the right direction.

I welcome that this Bill allows for direct deduction of social welfare payments where cases of arrears arise. I query the point raised by Deputy Troy that this would remove a function from post offices. This relates to a case where arrears would arise and money has not been paid through post offices or any other mechanism. It is not something that will be forgone by post offices around the country but rather it is money that would not have been paid in the first place. This legislation would allow such a direct deduction, which is a positive step.

I echo Deputy Lawlor's sentiments on the need for a quicker turnover of vacant local authority accommodation across the country.

There has been some action in that regard in recent years and I urge more action.

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