Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps the Minister could instruct them tomorrow not to spend a penny more until they come back to him on that matter.I want to find out the amount of money, bonds or Part V funds that are due to local authorities. There could be a kitty for the Minister. If he had any sense, he would ring-fence the money and tell those involved that it will be part of his strategy. That is the only challenge I am leaving the Minister. If he has not already done that, he will be pleasantly surprised. He is a very capable Minister and it is more than likely that he has already dealt with the issue. Let us determine the amount of money that has been generated through Part V from developers and whether we can ring-fence current funds in order to fast-track some housing for those with disabilities.

The Minister should set targets and demand monthly reports. The buck stops with the Minister. There is great expectation and excitement about the Minister in local government. He has delivered in the past in agriculture. He is committed and is a man of his word, something that has been acknowledged across the political spectrum. The task is up to him. It is a major task, but the Minister can deliver for the people who really matter.