Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will not speak for too long because I have already expressed my opinion on this legislation. This is no way to legislate. The Government has denied what Members on this side were saying to the Minister of State last week. We were all outlining to the Minister of State the major flaw in the legislation. At the 11th hour, she is now saying to us that what we contend is not the case and that she will ensure such and such a thing happens. That is no way to deal with legislation. We asked for clarity but the Minister of State has not provided it.

The Minister of State is saying a person will not lose his or her position. If a person is seven years on a housing waiting list, will he or she be deemed to be seven years waiting for a transfer if he or she avails of the HAP? I refer to a system based on time on the list.

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