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

Notwithstanding all the debate that has surrounded this issue in recent weeks and over the past couple of years, a new initiative is required which would give an indication to the general public that help is on the way. I note that last year was the best delivery for a long time. The Government needs to make the case also that local authorities do not build houses and have not done for 30 or 40 years. They are contracted out to builders who are professionals in that game and who can provide the houses very effectively and speedily. Might it be possible, and I note the initiative has been taken already in a number of schemes around the country, to double up that number with a view to making it known to the general public that there is a serious effort being made to accelerate delivery through the methods I have suggested?

See this speech in context