Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Matters have changed greatly. Did that person get an offer of a house in the meantime? I know of people who have been on the waiting list for 20 years. They hope to build a house in the field across the road from the mother of one or other partner, but they are not in immediate need of accommodation. I talked to county managers and obtained details concerning such families and have been told that three or four offers of houses have been made to them, but have been turned down. Some people stay on the waiting list hoping that they will get the house of their dreams in the ideal location. I own my house, as many others do, but people cannot always afford to buy a house where they would like to live.

The real need of many such people could be examined. I am not saying people do not have a right to be on the waiting list. They have and I sincerely hope they get the house of their dreams, but many people have received a number of offers of a house. If I wanted to, I could probably bring in a rule providing that if a person refuses two offers of a house, he or she will be taken off the waiting list. I am not considering any such measure. Simply because there are 48,000 people on the waiting list does not mean that number of people are in crying need of accommodation.

Another major development is the introduction of legislation on the private rented sector giving rights and protection to tenants in accommodation after a six month period. It will be introduced in this House as soon as it has been passed in the Dáil.

What we have done in terms of local government funding and in housing provision is a record of success. The new role for councillors in regard to development levies represents an enhancement of their role, which they accept. Such a measure has been passed by members across party lines in seven or eight councils without any hassle. They have been very responsible.