Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minster of State and I welcome this Bill. Section 13 sets out the functions of the LDA, which are to develop and manage relevant public land and, thereafter, other lands for "the provision of housing for the public good". It is acknowledged that there is a shortage of new housing being developed and, in particular, housing that is affordable in certain areas. There is a requirement in this Bill that a proportion of any housing provided on public land and former relevant public land be made available for affordable housing by the agency and other agencies that may require such land. This Bill will increase the supply of affordable and social housing by establishing the LDA as a publicly owned commercial State body that will be accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas through the Committee of Public Accounts, as stated in section 17. I agree with Senator Byrne's proposals regarding nominations to the LDA coming through the joint Oireachtas committee. That is a very positive proposal.

The Government is assigning the LDA a key role in the delivery of housing, while also assisting local authorities by developing on public lands not used heretofore. The Bill comes about on foot of a commitment in the programme for Government, which prioritises health, housing and climate action as the three key pillars of our coalition. The climate action Bill went through earlier today and the Affordable Housing Bill was signed last night. I concur with Senator Seery Kearney in remembering former Deputy Eoghan Murphy, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government who introduced the Land Development Agency Bill a number of years ago. It is a very simple concept that has been complicated by the Opposition because, unlike Government, it does not want the housing situation resolved because that will take away the opportunity for the usual sound bites about vulture funds, developers, etc.

If you have a problem with your teeth, you go to a dentist and if you want a wardrobe in your house, you go to a carpenter. To get your car fixed, you go to a mechanic. Developers build housing and infrastructure that is needed. It is their profession and career and what they have experience in doing. Nine sites have been opened up or are on the way, and 4,000 houses are currently on track with more to come. It is important that we create sustainable and well-planned communities and that the focus is not on high-density development but on building homes in such communities that will have sufficient open, public amenity spaces and are close to all public services, be they education, health or transport.

I share the views expressed regarding NAMA, which was not a success. We saw situations a number of years back where houses were demolished and, indeed, housing stock disposed of at cheap sale prices. I also believe that any decision we make must be made in conjunction with those who operate on the ground and who know best, namely, elected representatives in local authorities throughout the country. They are the voice of the people and are elected by the people. Any decisions that are made, must be made in conjunction with members of local authorities.