Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Exactly, and should be a full member. I would have voted for him. We will make sure that he gets a special briefing.

Deputies Fitzmaurice and Cian O'Callaghan went to the trouble of tabling these amendments, so I will be brief. We know what the amendments propose to do, but I can confirm that they are not necessary, as their underlying intent is already contained within section 12, which deals with the affordable dwelling purchase arrangement. Section 12 provides that this arrangement must contain a covenant requiring that, unless the housing authority gives its prior written consent, "the affordable dwelling shall be occupied as the normal place of residence of the homeowner or of a member of the homeowner’s household". The dwellings that housing authorities can make available are dwellings to be sold under the affordable dwelling purchase arrangement. The provisions relating to the arrangement make it clear that such dwellings are for owner occupiers. Therefore, I cannot accept either amendment.

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