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

This provision proposes to deal with planning of an emergency nature where there is an infrastructural deficit or an urgent need to provide a particular service which otherwise would require emergency legislation. I am always in favour of retaining as much influence as possible at local level with local authorities to try to ensure local information is readily available and the decisions reached are well-founded. However, we need to realise we have what is tantamount to a housing emergency and this requires instant reaction. We may make some wrong decisions, some decisions may not be as good as they should be and some of the action taken may not be as good as it should be, but one thing is certain. Since I was last in the House I have spoken to two people who are homeless. They are concerned about where they will sleep tonight and over the weekend.

Their concern primarily is how, in the short to medium term, they can get to a situation where they can look forward to having a roof over their heads each night. We must do something about that. Of course, we must balance this by recognising good planning processes and procedures. I will do my best not to speak too long on this as I realise that the Minister is anxious. However, other Members have spoken at great length, so I will speak for a short time. The Ceann Comhairle is aware that we do this occasionally in our home county.

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