Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The housing services plan must be made within six weeks of the adoption of the development plan. I consider this to be an appropriate timeframe to ensure compatibility within the two documents. Within this period, the timeframe for preparation and consultation is properly apportioned. While there is a formal statutory requirement to consult, I would expect ongoing inter-agency group work during preparation of the housing strategy, so that the housing authority will be aware of the priorities mentioned by the groups when preparing a draft plan for consultation through formal engagements.

Considering what the Senators have said, I will have a look at this with the Parliamentary Counsel and I will get back to them. I am not giving any definite promise but we will see if we can accommodate the views of the Senators.