Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The case has been put very eloquently by Senator Boyhan and, indeed, by everybody. This was probably one of the points of greatest agreement right across the House and everybody supported it. In that regard, it is worth noting that a number of amendments, including some of mine, were withdrawn on the understanding and in the expectation that this amendment from Senator Fitzpatrick would be brought forward. During the course of the debate on the matter, I recall, in the context of some of my amendments, yielding on a number of points in favour of the perhaps more comprehensive approach taken in Senator Fitzpatrick's amendment, and in recognition of her extremely strong knowledge of the operation of housing authorities and the very good and important contribution local authorities can make. As I said, it is not simply that this amendment was supported, it is also the fact that much of the debate on it and on many of the other amendments was based on an expectation of it becoming part of the Bill. Consequently, I am surprised that it has not appeared as a Government amendment. I think we all expected that. If it is possible, it would be a good idea for the Minister to accept this amendment now, in the names of those who put it forward, with suitable acknowledgement of Senator Fitzpatrick. If, thereafter, nuance is required or if words need to be changed, let them be changed in this new section in the Dáil. However, let the Bill go to Dáil with a strong signal from every single party and group in the Seanad that we recognise the role and responsibility of and the important contribution that housing bodies and local authorities make with regard to affordable housing provision.