Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the general tenor of the points raised by Members on the opposite side of the House. In recent years there has been a tendency for elected public representatives to remove themselves in knowing how the system works, the priorities set and the extent to which they can influence a satisfactory outcome. This has not been of assistance in the current housing crisis and the run-up to it in the past few years. There could have been greater knowledge in the hands of elected public representatives. There is a tendency for some local authorities to distance elected public representatives from the procedures used and the determination of letting priorities. This is to the disadvantage of potential tenants, the housing project and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government which has overall responsibility. Ultimately, tenants believe they have no rights, including secondary rights. Some people have been excellent tenants and looked after a property well; others have not. Similarly, tenants have abused local authority property and would benefit from the advice of elected public representatives on what could be done to address the issues presented.

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