Dee Ryan (Fianna Fail)

I request that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage come before the House to outline the policies and procedures that govern how local authorities receive gifts such as buildings or other assets from philanthropists. Too often, generous offers to give back to a town, village or county are met with red tape and a lack of clarity. We need a clear and supportive framework to ensure that where someone wishes to gift something of value to their home community that gesture can be accepted and put to meaningful use.

Right up and down the country, our main streets are challenged - ask any retailer or Tidy Towns activist. When a gift which could be used as a community, arts or recreational space is offered, it can be transformative. It can provide opportunities for children to learn or play, young people to gather safely and creatively and entire communities to thrive and connect, thereby combating loneliness. In an era where we have multiple competing demands on the public purse, we should enable and encourage such acts of generosity and not create obstacles. Let us ensure that communities across the country can fully benefit when someone steps forward with a gift intended to give back.