Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a very important debate and I agree with the principle enunciated by many speakers of increased transparency and accountability in planning decisions and public notices. However, the Minister is doing an excellent job and I do not agree with the views expressed opposite in that regard. As Deputy Daly said, housing is the biggest issue facing us every day as Deputies. I have people coming to me every day. Nowadays, children are eight years old before they have any hope of getting their own homes. I agree absolutely that families have had very difficult times in moving from place to place with no choice of home available and having to pay exorbitant rents. Some are not subject to rent control while others are, and it is a huge and appalling vista that has been visited on this country as a result of its economic collapse.

However, the Government is dealing with it. In particular, I praise the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and the Minister of State, Deputy English, for all of the work they are doing at the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. I travel a fair bit and the fact is that construction of houses is starting everywhere one goes in the country. There is a huge increase in the number of new starts. While it takes time to build a home, there is a very significant commitment in respect, in particular, of the provision of social housing by 2020. That is at the heart of the disadvantage people are suffering.

I refer to one of the points Deputy Wallace made with which I do not agree. While I accept that there are builders who are hoarders and exploiting the economic situation for their own advantage, there are other excellent builders who are ready to go. In Drogheda where I live, a commencement notice was served in respect of 1,500 houses which are due to start very shortly.

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