Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. He is right that 23 councillors out of 949 applying for the scheme means that there is something wrong with it. This has been recognised by the Department of housing and it has acted quickly. The Minister of State noted that the business case is being considered by the Department of public expenditure. I acknowledge the importance of this. However, councillors would say that there was a business case put forward for Oireachtas Members before Christmas. That was reviewed and decided upon within 48 hours. If the Department of public expenditure can make the decision for Oireachtas Members in this building in 48 hours, we can certainly do it quicker than four weeks. The business case has been with the Department for the past four weeks. What we do not want is for it to go into or past the summer without a decision being made. I know the Minister recognises the urgency of it. The Government is aware of the importance of security. We cannot have a situation where we are able to sort out things for TDs and Senators in 48 hours but not for councillors.