Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I have listened to the debate and to the Minister's comments and do not think we will gain anything by spending further time on the issue. I do not agree with it and do not understand why we need to insert this provision in our legislation because local policies can deal with the problems involved. We also live in different times from those we experienced 20 years ago, when unemployment was high and people were claiming rent supplement, or the equivalent, for long periods. I would hope people in such a situation today would not remain so forever and would eventually be able to pay their rents once they gained employment. As I said earlier on the question of lifting people out of poverty, there are other ways to regenerate areas and laws such as this are not necessary where local management plans operate effectively.