Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue that came to light in recent days. I read a newspaper report that the Office of Public Works, OPW, will examine developing sites in conjunction with builders and developers. The sites will have to be loaded towards development for social housing, which will be the priority in opening up these landbanks. It is a positive step and is to be welcomed. Pressure should be put on county councils in this respect. It has come back to the OPW to examine the development of State held lands. County councils have masses of landbanks which are not being used and most councils have been sitting on their hands with respect to these lands for the past number of years. Severe pressure should be put on councils to use the landbanks they have. What are they doing to procure houses for social housing development? Pressure should be put on them to advertise and seek joint partners to open up and develop these lands and provide social housing. The figures stack up because the money that is being squandered on social rents is incredible. Where the figures add up, it makes far more sense to build social housing. I would welcome that. I raised this matter in Westmeath County Council two years ago but it did not get much support from the executive at the time. With the new winds of recovery it might be worth fleshing that out and putting pressure on the council. That is where the pressure has to come to bear.

I support what Senator Paul Gavan said about Israel. It is a serious matter. While we are a small nation we have always supported the fight against injustices that have been done throughout the world. I could not follow on and support the second part of his contribution because we would be no better off if we were to bring down the Government. We would have a bigger mess. We should deal with issues at hand. If we do not deal with what is needed for Sergeant McCabe, that will not happen and, as with other crisis, we would be left in limbo.