Michael Brennan (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Dooley for sharing time with me. I compliment the Minister for bringing the Bill to the House. Anyone who is a member of a local authority will agree that amendment is necessary because the legislation has not worked as intended. It is important that social and affordable housing schemes should operate and be successful. From a construction point of view it is important to ensure affordable housing does not prevent private schemes from becoming commercially successful. The flexibility which the Minister seeks to introduce in the legislation will allow local authorities to operate the scheme to the satisfaction of the aims of public-private partnership. I compliment the schemes introduced by Fingal County Council and ask the Minister to encourage local authorities to implement public-private partnerships in order that social and affordable housing can be provided for those who cannot afford large mortgages.