Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. I was listening to the debate in my office. It is the first time I have spoken on this legislation. I know the Minister has come to the House a few times. It is the first time I have spoken when the Minister has been in the House. I wanted to come to the Chamber to say that I strongly support Senator Boyhan's amendment. I am very concerned. It is most important that we restore the power to local authorities. They have a strong role in relation to section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001. They have a huge say in relation to the disposal of land. To address the housing crisis, we need strong local authorities that are best able to serve their local communities. I have travelled the length and breadth of this country meeting with councillors. As Senator Martin said, they are the heroes of their communities. I have no doubt the Minister knows that himself.

I have travelled with councillors who work until all hours in the night, going around houses, making sure people, including the elderly and lone parents are okay. I met one councillor at Christmas time when it was really cold. A young single mother with a child was going to be evicted due to having no finances. The councillor I met blew me away. She made sure that the mother got the money she needed. She did a big fundraiser and made sure that the family had a good Christmas. As the Minister knows well, it is a thankless job being a councillor. To take the power away from councillors is wrong. There should be no dilution of section 183.

I ask the Minister and all Members here today to support this amendment. It is a vital and important amendment. If they are not going to support Senator Boyhan's amendment, I ask them to support our amendments. That is all I ask. This amendment is most important. It is not something that I say lightly. That is all I have to say.