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

I acknowledge all the work that has been done and has to be done still. Some of these things are sent to test us from time to time. The manner in which we deal with emergencies is indicative of what can be done for society at any particular time. I agree that the Minister and his ministerial colleague are doing everything possible to do that now.

The problem is with the urgency. There is an urgent requirement to contact each local authority, particularly in the greater Dublin area, to identify precisely what they can deliver in the next six months. I am told by people who are in the business that they can deliver a modular house on site within three months and that there are serviced sites available. In view of the emergency nature of the situation that is now unfolding, I impress on the Minister to do that now rather than wait until it is forced upon us. The emergency will get to such an extent that it will not be possible to tolerate the degree of pressure arising from those on the waiting list who are out on the road with no place to go.

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