Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps a mini cabinet could be formed by the chair of the council and the chairs of the SPCs working together, which was part of the proposals we made at that time. Unfortunately Noel Dempsey was not reappointed to that ministry, where I think progress could have been made.

We urgently need a devolution of powers from the Department to the council. I am astonished to learn that Department officials are not dealing with the housing crisis and officials at council level are unable to take the initiatives, which they had the power to take 10 years ago, to address the difficulties in the housing situation and provide housing. It is a disgrace.

There needs to be a complete rebalance not only between the Department and the council but also between the executive and its members. Members will act responsibly when given responsibility. They have been denigrated by politicians and officials. It is simply not good enough.

I commend the initiative taken and I urge independents to work with the parties and work as a team to get justice for councillors. I say that-----