Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was listening to my colleague, Senator Higgins. The very same thought struck me that when one signs a contract, in my view, the terms should be cast in stone. Irrespective of whether the situation goes one way or the other, it would not be appropriate to have a facility to break a contract within the legislation. However, it is important that there is full transparency. All information should be available to all parties and it should also be in the public domain.

When it comes to affordable housing bodies, they also need to look at things in the round, particularly in seaside areas. There are a few examples in County Clare, where significant developments are under construction. Those responsible for developing projects have an idea of the groups of people they would like to see also living in an estate, whether they are people with disabilities or those from minority ethnic groups. That type of flexibility is appropriate. However, when a contract is signed - and perhaps I am misunderstanding the Senator - it would not be appropriate to break it in any way.