Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)

At the outset, I want to thank Deputy Ward for bringing forward this Private Members' motion to give us the opportunity for a comprehensive debate, albeit one that is too short.

On Friday evening last, there had been no transfer of funds to Donegal. I acknowledge that thanks to the intervention of the Minister for housing, Deputy Browne, and the Minister for public expenditure, Deputy Chambers, that transfer was made on Friday evening and payments went out on Saturday to the many people who were awaiting them. I have had numerous emails from people in Donegal suggesting that I should vote in favour of this motion. The Deputies on the other side of the House know the position I am in as a member of a party in government but they can take it for definite that I will be vocal on this side of the House and will knock continuously on the Minister's door until we make progress. I also want to assure the many who are on the waiting list for inner and outer leaves that I believe it is ludicrous that somebody behind a desk is deciding on that. They should be out on the ground. We must ensure that apartments, local authorities, crèches and schools are covered. A visit to Elm Park is absolutely essential. Mental health is a major issue. Regarding IS 465:2018, the fact that the standards cannot be used for conveyancing will be discussed with the Minister later in the week. People cannot buy or sell mortgages. Desktop exercises are not acceptable. Side by side, where people have special needs, they are waiting on legislation and it is not good enough. I am calling on the Minister to give us a timeframe and to outline how we are going to move forward. This has been going on for far too long. It was going on when I was in the Chair and it has been raised continuously since then. It is not good enough and I assure the people of Donegal and elsewhere that I will be working closely with others to ensure we make progress.

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