Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

These amendments generally seek to expand the list of bodies and persons with which the housing authority formally consults on housing service plans. I do not consider the combination of amendments adds to the provision. I am satisfied the list in paragraph (f) is sufficiently broad to cover the groups referred to in the proposed amendments. When work is completed on the homeless action plans, however, I envisage that homeless forums may need to be included in that listing.

As for amendment No. 10, which seeks to expand paragraph (d), it is important to say that the paragraph provides that approved bodies must be consulted. Such bodies must have as primary objectives the relief of housing needs, poverty or hardship. It is also relevant in the context of the proposed amendment to say that they receive their approved status for the purpose of the provision of housing accommodation for homeless persons, among other purposes. The use of the phrase, "approved bodies engaged in the provision of accommodation or shelter" in subsection (1)(d), I believe, is sufficient to cover the work engaged in by approved bodies. The additional phraseology is not necessary in this instance. I have concerns that by trying to draw out the provision, there is a danger of excluding a group that would have been covered by the more general terms.

Amendment No. 11 proposes including recognised associations under section 128 of the Local Government Act 2001. I am satisfied that section 16(1)(f), which specifies that the draft plan may be made available to local community bodies or any other person, as the housing authorities consider appropriate, is sufficient to cover any groups that are active locally that are relevant. In these circumstances, I ask the Senators to withdraw their amendments.