Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 441: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the new agencies or offices established under the aegis of his Department since 2007; the annual budget in each case for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37569/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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No new agencies have been established on a statutory basis or come under the aegis of my Department since my appointment in June 2007.

However, it is intended that the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency, a single streamlined housing agency, will take on a range of housing functions currently performed by the Affordable Homes Partnership (AHP), the Centre for Housing Research (CHR) and the National Building Agency (NBA), as well as new functions reflecting current housing policy (for example, in the area of social leasing). As a result, the AHP, the CHR and the NBA will be wound up. This agency has already been established on an administrative basis, and it is expected that it will be placed on a statutory footing next year.

Services Board (LGMSB) and the Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB) have been working very closely together under the direction of the Local Government Management Agency to merge functions and services. Draft Heads of a Bill to amend the relevant Corporate Bodies legislation, to give full effect to the merger, have been approved by Government and my Department is working closely with the Office of the Attorney General in the preparation of the legislation.