Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is extremely interesting. When you are deciding what will be built in a large-scale development, it is obvious that the people building the development are not stupid. They would only build what the market needs and what is required in an area. For instance, in County Kerry we have a desperate urgency and need for one and two-bedroom accommodation. I know the Minister is acutely aware of that and in a recent visit to Kerry he heard that and acknowledged it, and I know he is deeply interested in helping to provide that type of accommodation. Each place around this country is unique in its own way and we have different pressures in different areas.

I have a worry when it comes to regulating. I know Deputy Boyd Barrett has good intentions when he mentions wriggle room but the thing about wriggle room is that we have to be careful that we do not bring in legislation that is so rigid that it frightens people away from developing and providing accommodation and that they would decide not to develop a piece of ground, rejuvenate a site, invest, spend money, borrow money or put money towards accommodation. It comes back to the old story of not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. We want to provide accommodation of all different types and sizes. I am detailing the unique and urgent need we have in County Kerry for one and two-bedroom accommodation. We need ordinary three and four-bedroom accommodation as well but our local authority has clearly identified what we want. I have no doubt Deputy Boyd Barrett is acutely aware of what is required in his area; probably nobody would know better. If you bring in legislation and it is made too rigid, I am fearful we could bring about the opposite effect to what we want. I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to come in.

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