Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I listened to Senator Horkan's comments but I support my colleagues, Senators Craughwell and Norris, on the proposed change to the Order of Business. It is our function or role and ultimately this is a matter for Members.

Will the Leader update us at some stage on the land development agency Bill? There was great fanfare with the announcement of the agency over two years ago and we were then told that eight sites had been identified and were under control of the agency. The Leader also knows we were promised the roll-out of construction of over 8,000 houses on those sites.

I support the Land Development Agency and it is a really good proposal from the Government but the time for this Government is running out and we will be running into an election within months. If this development agency Bill does not progress through the various Stages in these Houses, which would be right and proper, there will be no Land Development Agency as the legislation will fall when the Government falls. It is too important to the delivery of affordable and social housing, or all forms of housing. There are great opportunities for this agency and I would like to see the Bill progressed, subject of course to scrutiny. It has not completed pre-legislative scrutiny but we must keep our eye on the ball. If the Leader has any further details, he might keep the Members informed.