John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with everything that has been said. I do not understand why we are reducing the 20% requirement under Part V at all. My interpretation of this measure is that it is being introduced to incentivise builders to build. We should be trying to get builders to be part of the community and to play a part in resolving the major housing crisis that confronts this country at present. I genuinely do not think people are aware of what is happening here, or the consequences it will have for many people. The Minister of State used to serve on a council, just as I did. There was always an argument and a discussion on the 20% requirement under Part V, but it appeared to have cross-party support from every member of every council in the country. This is a retrograde step. People at the coal face who are dealing with the 20% requirement under Part V, including many councillors, will be taken aback. I am not sure that too many of them are aware of what is happening here today. They probably have not read the Bill and are not conscious of it. I have to say I am shocked at the Labour Party.

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