Seanad debates

Wednesday, 11 December 2002

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages.

 

I did not refer to my amendment on the payment issue when I spoke earlier. I am more concerned about this issue than about the earlier sub-paragraphs (iii), (iv) and (v). Amendment No. 2 refers to sub-paragraph (vi), which has within it the possibility of letting builders off the hook. I ask the Minister to explain how he will ensure that this does not become the option of first instance, rather than the option of last instance. Will the Minister clarify what will happen to those payments? Will they go into a special ring-fenced fund to be used by the local authorities for housing purposes only or will they go into the general local authority fund? We all know that finances are tight this year and that if money becomes available it could be subsumed into the general fund. Will the Minister provide an assurance about his directive to local authorities regarding payments to them from developers?

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