Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council only accepts cash bonds. Alternatively, the county manager and law agent can draw up a contract for the bond in which the guidelines clearly set out what must be done. County councils were not diligent enough in putting proper contracts in place for bonds. This was the problem. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council had little trouble because it always had control of the money and was able to finish the job if the developer did not.

The Minister of State is right, in that the powers exist. Councils have not been diligent enough in following up with people or drafting proper contracts when the bonds were lodged with banks. Loopholes were found in the contracts. It is up to every law agent to have the right procedures in place.