Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

I object to the fact that every time we on this side of the Dáil raise critical questions about housing, the Taoiseach just throws the blame on us as being the cause of the problem and not on the Government for not implementing a package needed to radically change the position regarding the housing catastrophe that we face over the coming period. The Taoiseach mentioned that the Government is socialising the development levies for public infrastructure. I welcome that, but I would like to see the next step, namely, the Government socialising the building of public housing on public land by a public, State-run housing construction company. That is what is needed, and it is critical.

I wish to raise a brief question on development levies. I want to know for exactly how long they will be cut. I have heard reports that they will be cut for one year or three years. I have also heard about €300 million being given or not being given to local authorities. Will there be any buybacks from the developers in the context of Part V on foot of the development levies being cut?

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