Seanad debates

Wednesday, 1 December 2004

11:00 am

Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

I support the call for a debate on housing. I welcome the provision of 39,000 houses in the past ten years but recognise the shortfall of 9,000 houses and the problems being faced by local authorities. It is time for the Minister to take the matter on board. We saw how €353 million was paid out in rent supplement in the past year. An assessment of needs is being carried out by local authorities and people are asking what the future holds. Will local authorities stop building houses?

I am concerned about the loss of 9,000 houses when local authorities are renting houses from builders over a ten-year period. That money could be better spent buying the houses.

I also welcome the good news for Shannon Airport. It is the first break the new airport authority has got and is welcome. If it brings another 1.5 million tourists into the mid-west in the next year, the board should be congratulated.

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