Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I warmly welcome this decision, which makes sense. Nothing stays static. I would like the Minister of State to convey to the Department that it would be very helpful if we had the written statement because we have none, which is unusual for this particular issue. It would be helpful if someone from the Department could fax or email it to us this morning. I thank the Minister of State for that.

I would also like the Minister of State to take back to the Minister that it is important we go through processes. External communication is important. While it is all very good to have this idea announced at a party's national conference, there are three parties in this Government. It is important we do not speculate about policy in some media publication. We have the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I urge the Minister, and I would have said this if he was in the Chamber today, to come as early as possible to that joint committee to explain the thinking and, more important, the timeline of this measure. If we have agreed on this, and I presume it will be Government policy at some point and was not just a kite-flying exercise, it is important we communicate with the relevant Oireachtas committee, engage across the Government parties and the Opposition, and have a briefing on it.

Time does not stand still. We need to move fast on this. I am supportive of this measure and welcome it. I would like the Minister of State's officials to convey that to the Minister. I am genuinely supportive of the concept but let us engage with parliamentarians on it.