Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, has spoken quite often about the need for dedicated personnel in each local authority to deal with the affordable housing scheme. He gave examples of the good work being done in south Dublin but these should be taken on board by every local authority, especially at a time when there is a lot of land available from the HSE, county councils and VECs. Affordable housing could also be provided on agricultural land, including Teagasc lands. I believe it will be provided and if sufficient personnel were in place, the scheme would be more user-friendly for those who badly need houses. I agree with all that has been said on the need to build more houses. The affordable housing scheme should be promoted further by each local authority.