Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased that the levies have been regularised at long last. Up to now as a county councillor I did not know where these levies were being used. Now I know what is being spent on roads infrastructure, open spaces and community development. It is time developers make the commitment to finish off housing estates and it is time that they give something back to the system. I could hardly believe the spin in the newspaper headlines last week, that a new levy of €10,500 was being imposed on houses. We were inundated with telephone calls from people asking if this would happen. We must ensure that the buyer does not bear the cost. The market should decide. We must get it right and there may be a challenge for us. We are making great progress in the number of houses being built. I admit there is more to be done.

In Tallaght, which is my area, the quality of life in Jobstown, Fettercairn and Killinarden has been transformed. The houses have been serviced and it is now a pleasure to visit these places. It was not a pleasure in the past and it was dangerous to visit them ten years ago. That change is a sign of real achievement. I want to see a new quality of life for people and I want to help those who cannot help themselves. The county councils have an important role to play. I congratulate county councils and local authorities on their achievements in improving the quality of life for people.

Other speakers referred to the rent allowance. I remind the House that nothing has been signed off. I compliment the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Coughlan. She merely stated that there is an element of abuse of the system and she is laying down a marker but that she will be flexible to allow people who have a case to make to do so. She will not deprive anybody of a rent allowance if they need it. I know she would not do that. The Opposition put a spin on matters in order to make itself look good. I also compliment the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern.

Significant work is being done in the area of homelessness. I know many homeless people because of my work in the past. It is a complicated problem. I know of homeless people who were given houses and within three days were back on the streets because they could not cope.