Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is worthwhile bringing this Bill forward. Deputy Mitchell has already stated there may be a need to deal with certain sections on Committee Stage and referred to the large body of work already in front of the PAC, but we are looking for some means to find a level of accountability. In fairness, Deputy Troy has detailed some of the issues. Some of us elected representatives have been councillors, but many of us would deal with council officials and staff and from time to time get through a great deal of work. At other times we would not necessarily be able to do so and we might have an issue with the funding of local government and its powers. If we were dealing with local elected representatives, they would talk about their lack of powers. Again, I get that this is for another day and another conversation, but, unfortunately, I think it is all connected. From time to time, however, we need to ensure we have the systems in play when the public, or politicians on behalf of the public and their constituents, are trying to get necessary projects and works done.

Even where there are difficulties, once people can hear the truth, that makes a difference. Even if there is an issue concerning funding but that funding is going to happen, it makes a great difference once people can get that element of clarity. That is also to accept that the local authorities, no more than Government agencies or Departments, can at times get issues that are trivial and vexatious. We are not talking about that but about substantial pieces of work that need to be done to deliver for people and into their lives. A great many of us would deal with local authorities in situations where our constituents have come to us seeking to ensure they can get things like adaptation grants for older people or those with disabilities to allow these people to stay in their homes, be they council houses or private houses. If we are talking about older people, these grants can give them some money to allow them to stay in their homes and allow their families to have a better set of circumstances. There is, however, another set of issues relating to the HSE.

In fairness, seeing as the Minister of State is present, we had a discussion concerning this issue recently and we spoke about the review. I am glad to see the announcement of increases in the grant limits by over 30% and in the income thresholds by 25% for those applying for support under the housing adaptation grants for older people and those with disabilities. Am I full sure this will deal with some of the constituents who come to all of us? Probably not, but it is a better set of circumstances. I also accept the fact that costs have gone up. As much as it is a deviation, and it is not the first time I have deviated from the topic at hand, I would appreciate it if the Minister of State was able to give some indication of the timeline for when the statutory instruments will be signed in this regard.

On Deputy Troy's legislation, while it may need finessing, it is an absolute necessity. It also, on some level, fits into that space where local authority members, in particular, would state they do not have the same sort of powers as the executive. I know that at times there are different relationships in different counties in how things operate. It can depend on a chief executive or certain directors of services. We will all have good and not-so-good stories to tell, but it is about ensuring we have a system of governance and a system of accountability that can ensure it.

We could probably talk about other agencies. I imagine everyone would like to have a conversation on other issues, whether about Irish Water or other bodies. At one stage, I would have come to this Chamber not always happy with the communication I received from Irish Water. Probably through some of my endeavours in this Chamber, however, I believe my personal relationship with Irish Water, from the perspective of getting results and the facts as we want and need them, has improved. In some cases, we all know it is just about ensuring there is a person you can contact to make sure the information is forthcoming. As I said, whether it is the local authorities, Irish Water or Departments, once people can get the truth about the issue, it can make a big difference. There will be times when you need to be able to deliver a solution, some of which would require a greater level of funding and resources. If it is possible to get to the truth of an issue, however, it makes a big difference. There are also many powers local authorities do not have. I do not know how many times I have spoken this week about not only organised crime but also disorganised and chaotic crime. Local authorities do not have the powers required in this regard no more than Tusla or, I believe, An Garda Síochána necessarily have the tools to deal with these chaotic scenarios.

Again, and not for the first time, I may have deviated. I really welcome the opportunity to speak on this. What Deputy Troy is attempting to do is absolutely necessary and is about ensuring we can provide a service to the public. The sooner we can see something like this in front of a committee, the sooner we can finesse those parts that need it.

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