David Norris (Independent)

Under my amendment, all the powers the Minister of State seeks for a housing authority would survive. It could evict and charge for arrears. Under the Minister of State's amendment, an authority will be required to remove social housing supports. The whole matter of flexibility is left in abeyance. The language in the section of facilitation is taken directly and specifically from other sections; therefore, it is the language used by the Parliamentary Counsel. The Minister of State should be in a position to accept what is, in effect, the very language in which the Bill is drafted. The effect of the Government's amendment does not go fully to meet our objection to the narrowing, constriction and tying of the hands of the local authorities. We seek flexibility and discretion.