Charlie McConalogue
Donegal · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“There are indications that the opt-out mechanism for the text and data mining exception is not working well in practice. Evidence gathered by the Danish Presidency showed that some activity is taking place on the licensing of works for AI, but that it is uneven across member states and subsectors of the creative sector.”
“The proposal involved the development of grass pitches, an Astroturf facility, flood-lighting and dressing rooms. The Football Association of Ireland wrote to my Department in 2023 stating that it no longer intended to proceed with the LSSIF-funded centre of excellence in Glanmire.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels.”
“This is Ireland's first national strategy for diabetes and it sets out recommendations for action in relation to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy and paediatric diabetes. The strategy marks a major milestone in diabetes care in Ireland and represents the development of a unified approach to its delivery.”
“It is anticipated that the final business case will be submitted shortly to my Department. In relation to the site in Glanmire, my Department has been informed that the property has now been leased to Riverstown Football Club by Cork County Council.”
“The structure of that payment, which was agreed between An Post and the postmasters, is designed to maintain and strengthen our post office network and to keep it sustainable, taking into account the number of post offices in an area, the distance to the next nearest post office and the rural nature versus the population base that it migh…”
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“We want to ensure that as many young people as possible have every opportunity through the academy system. The Government is committed to doing that.”
“I will be looking to see how we can maximise the benefit across the country. Young Troy Parrott is a wonderful example of the quality of young players we have in this country. That is something the Government is backing. As the Deputy knows, we stepped up very significantly in the recent budget by allocating €3 million to the development of football academies for the year ahead. We want to build on that. We recognise the changed circumstances post Brexit and the importance of making sure young players have the opportunity to maximise their potential within the country. We see the benefit of having those young players in the League of Ireland. We are seeing a renaissance and a flourishing in the League of Ireland, with some of those wonderful young players starring in that.”
“We look forward to the excitement in the months ahead as we build up to the play-offs. I also congratulate our neighbours in Scotland. I did not think the end of Ireland's match on Sunday could be topped but, by God, it was some finish to the Scottish game. I congratulate the Scottish players on their qualification. I take Deputy O Snodaigh's point. We have €6 million for the legacy plan and we want to make sure it has an impact and improves participation. That certainly is our objective.”
“I take this opportunity to congratulate the Irish soccer team on its wonderful performance last Sunday and on the Thursday before that. Football has given us some of our best national memories over the years. The recent matches, particularly the one on Sunday, provided, once again, wonderful national moments that brought the whole country together and brought great energy and excitement. I wish the team well in the draw taking place this afternoon for the play-offs that will be held in March. I congratulate, in particular, Troy Parrott, who gave a performance for the ages. Scoring five goals over two games is absolutely exceptional and a great credit to him. Credit also goes to the wider team for coming together, to Heimir Hallgrímsson for his leadership and to the FAI as well.”
“Furthermore, €6.2 million of our overall investment is ring-fenced for legacy initiatives and Ireland's national plan in this regard, which is being developed in consultation with the FAI. The legacy plan will focus on initiatives to increase participation and aims to ensure every child, regardless of background, gender or ability, can participate in football. The expenditure of €93 million is made up of: €7.7 million for the Aviva Stadium upgrade and overlay; €2.1 million for central administration, transport and mobility; €5.7 million for fan zones; €10.6 million for other costs; €6.3 million for Dublin City Council costs; €37 million for safety and security; €6 million for the legacy programme; and €7.5 million for a general programme-level contingency. I can provide the Deputy with a breakdown of other, smaller items of expenditure.”
“Euro 2028 is a really exciting opportunity for Ireland to co-host, along with England, Scotland and Wales, an internationally important soccer championship. We will host seven games in the competition, including a quarter-final. The Government will invest just over €92.9 million in supporting the event. It is anticipated the tournament will generate €449 million of socioeconomic benefits for the country. The main elements of the expected expenditure include funding for stadium costs, safety and security, including Garda costs, transport, fan zones, Dublin City Council costs, sustainability investment and legacy programmes. The funding will be delivered through my Department, other Departments, Dublin City Council and relevant agencies.”
“As a Government, Ireland has taken a very strong line in leading out and opposing what was happening in Gaza. I have already outlined that. However, the matter of participating in international competitions or otherwise is a matter for sporting organisations. That has always been the case and that will remain the case. It is not appropriate for the Government to get involved in an independent organisation's decision in that regard. That is the approach the Government will continue to take. I know the match took place in Riga, Latvia. Basketball Ireland had engaged with the international body given the fact it felt it was not safe for the match to take place in Israel given the backdrop. The match took place and the Irish team acquitted itself very well in that competition. It went to extra time and the team lost.”
“That is the approach the State has taken in relation to the war in Palestine. Regarding sporting organisations and their decisions to participate or otherwise in international competitions, that is entirely a matter for them.”
“As was outlined in my response, it is a matter for the national governing bodies and international sporting organisations to make their own decisions in this regard. From the point of view of the Government, it does not have a role in any individual sporting organisation's decisions. However, when it comes to the issue of Gaza, the Government has led out internationally and has taken a very strong and forthright line and approach regarding the war and the destruction that happened in Gaza. As well as seeking an outcome that will deliver peace, the Government was very much to the fore in leading out on recognising Palestine as a state, which many other states subsequently have done, and also in pursuing the occupied territories Bill, which a number of other states have now indicated they will follow.”
“The first phase of the plan, the ceasefire and hostage release agreement, is an important step on a road to peace. Our immediate focus must be on ensuring humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza at scale. Ireland stands ready to play its part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine through the implementation of the two-state solution.”
“National governing bodies of sport, NGBs, and international sporting federations, the International Basketball Federation, FIBA, in the case of basketball, are independent, autonomous bodies responsible for the governance of their own sports, including the organisation of sporting fixtures. Regarding the topic of athlete safeguarding, Sport Ireland works with NGBs to ensure that appropriate policies are put in place to take a proactive approach to safeguarding by identifying and mitigating risks to athlete welfare. It also works with NGBs to ensure mechanisms are in place to appropriately deal with matters that may arise. On a wider note, I can say that Ireland welcomes the agreement on the first phase of the 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question. While I have not met with Basketball Ireland over the past six months, I did meet with it in April for an introductory meeting regarding its development and other plans. I understand the question relates to playing of matches against Israel. In this regard, the draw for the 2027 Women's Euro Basket qualification group which placed Ireland in a group with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel and Luxembourg took place in July. I spoke on the phone to the CEO of Basketball Ireland who updated me on that at that point. Of course, it is important to make clear, as I would have outlined at that stage as well, that the Government and Sport Ireland have no role in determining the participation by national governing bodies of sport in international competitions organised by international sporting federations.”
“As Minister of State, I will continue to liaise and work with An Post and the Irish Postmasters' Union to support their engagement over the next couple of months to put in place an agreement to run for a number of years, with the objective of having a five-year agreement. As part of that, we want to see how we can enable the post office network to provide as many services as possible and look at new opportunities for post offices to serve local communities. The postmasters are very open to that and want to do that because that is where they see themselves. They want to remain at the centre of servicing their community. I thank all the Senators for the opportunity to be here and for their constructive contributions. I look forward to continuing to work with them in the time ahead in supporting our post office service and network.”
“The overall thrust of all contributions was the importance of maintaining our post office network. It is the objective of the Government to make sure we keep post offices open and avoid in every way we can, from a Government point of view, any closures. While we are seeing a small number of closures, we have seen a significant reduction in the number of post offices that have closed since we introduced the Government support three years ago. We have to work within state aid rules, but with that increased support we want to make sure we continue to see post offices operate across the country.”
“Work is continuing on the transfer of ownership and that work will be led out by the Office of Public Works, on behalf of the Government, and will involve a detailed and thorough consultation process with the public regarding its future. We want to ensure the GPO has an exciting future that respects its heritage and that it continues to play a very proud role, not just in O'Connell Street but also in our country going forward. A point was raised by Senator Andrews around Rathmines post office, which is moving location. As I mentioned in my initial contribution, where there are heritage buildings that become vacated, the Government works with local authorities to make sure they can remain at the centre of the community. That is something we are doing in that particular instance.”
“I thank all who contributed to the debate, namely, Senators Comyn, Conway, Ní Chuilinn, Scahill, Andrews, Cathal Byrne, Flaherty and Ahearn. As with the last day, I will take away the very strong support in the Seanad for the continued support of our post office network and the recognition from the Seanad of the strong commitment of the Government in the most recent budget in which we increased funding from €10 million per year to €15 million going forward. There was also strong recognition from all Senators of the importance of working with An Post and supporting it in the work it does as a commercial entity to develop new services and to be as innovative as possible in a rapidly changing environment. Senator Ní Chuilinn mentioned the GPO. I reiterate that it the GPO will remain in State ownership.”
“In that vein, I thank the Acting Chairperson and Senators for the opportunity to discuss the network and how we can ensure it stays at the heart of Irish life going forward and that it continues to provide the essential service that it has always done, on a consistent basis and in all communities, over the years ahead.”
“My officials and I are ready and available to work with other Departments in respect of delivery of services through the network. Postmasters have a crucial role to play in the future of the network. I recognise and thank all postal workers for their hard work, dedication, input and co-operation to date and for their role in enabling the ongoing transformation of the network. Their support is needed. As An Post seeks to win new or bolster existing business to explore opportunities for development and to see new or enhanced product lines come in place, it is key that it works in collaboration with postmasters to maximise every potential opportunity. I welcome the ongoing discussion between all parties, An Post, postmasters and the Government to ensure the post office maintains a special role in our society.”
“There can sometimes be a focus on the provision of particular services across the network or supports being put in place, but no one measure in isolation is going to provide for the long-term sustainability of the network. All stakeholders will need to continue to work together. The public must also be encouraged to use the services available through the post office, support their local post office and help ensure its future. I encourage my Government colleagues to consider the impact of digitalisation and substitution of services on the network because it is important that, as technology develops, we explore new and innovative ways of working. However, it is also important that we ensure that those who, for whatever reason, do not want to access Government services online can still access such services in person.”
“We want to have a sustainable post office network that is available to all citizens, both urban and rural, now and in the medium and long term because that network is a core strength of An Post. The continued the development of the network and services is a vital component of its sustainability. Part of the strength of the post office brand, and one of its key selling points, is that it reaches into every community and all parts of the country. Equally, we must recognise that post offices are commercial entities. As with any business, they need to continue to develop relevant commercial strategies to attract customers, drive footfall and generate growth. Supported by the Government, An Post must ensure its commercial viability and the continued fulfilment of its mandate to provide a mail delivery service and a viable post office network.”
“Working with the Department of housing and local government we want to ensure there is strong engagement to make sure they stay within the community. It is also important to remember that this support to the post office network is to protect and nurture it as a sustainable and commercially viable network. It also aims to ensure access to important services across the country for our citizens. Any supports must, therefore, be utilised to allow time and space to enable new commercial initiatives and services to be developed. An Post fully understands the Government's position. A sustainable, viable, customer-focused post office network is a key strategic priority for the company. An Post has a statutory responsibility for the post office network. It must actively explore opportunities to develop new and enhanced product lines.”
“The intention is to avoid, where possible, such decisions being necessary or being taken as a result of economic hardship or challenges. Senators raised the issue that sometimes when a post office closes or relocates, it can leave a heritage building without a use in the heart of a community. The Government has been conscious of this. The programme for Government recognises it as well and commits to the Government partnering with An Post and local communities to identify and preserve heritage post office buildings, of which there are many across the country, which reflects the fact that post offices have always been at the heart of communities. We want that to continue to respect the historical value of any buildings that are no longer being used for post offices by exploring potential new uses.”
“In the most recent budget and in the national development plan, I secured €50 million per annum to support our post office network, subject to agreement with An Post and postmasters and further Government approval. A mandate for this enhanced funding will now be brought to the Government for that approval. My officials are progressing the next steps, as required, such as ensuring proper consideration of state aid provisions and an adequate legal basis for the payment of the funding. However, we should be aware that Government support, despite the significant increase in funding, does not guarantee that all post offices will stay open, but it is our objective to support them in every way possible to ensure as many as possible stay open. Closures can happen at times for a variety of reasons, such as retirement or for personal reasons.”
“This is seen in the over €28 million claimed by An Post for the period 2023 to date to support our post office network. That funding was put in place under the previous Government. However, as we know, the Government strongly recognises the need to support Ireland's post office network. Under the programme for the Government, it outlined a commitment to provide the nationwide network of post offices with the funding to ensure sustainability and enhance the value post offices bring to local communities. The last time I engaged with Senators, all Members were strong and forthright in advocating for that. I was delighted to be able to secure continued funding in line with that commitment to continue to provide our post office network.”
“The structural changes in the postal sector are being considered at European level. The European Commission is expected to bring forward proposals for a new EU delivery Act next year during our EU Presidency. This initiative is aimed at modernising the EU regulatory framework for postal and parcel delivery services. Currently, a call for evidence in respect of this proposal is open. I encourage all stakeholders to contribute to that. The Government is currently providing An Post with €10 million funding per annum over a three-year fixed term from 2023 to the end of this year. An Post disburses this funding across the post office network, with all contracted post offices benefiting from the Government funding with the objective of securing the stability of the network.”
“As the network facilitates trade, I am aware that postmasters are likely feeling the effects of this uncertainty. I would like to specifically recognise An Post's work to date in respect of continuing the flow of post to the US despite the recent uncertainty due to the change in its customs rules. The network, undoubtedly, is also impacted by the continuing decline in mail volumes and the growth of digitalisation. It is not only nationally, but internationally, that mail and post office businesses are experiencing long-term structural challenges. Additionally, issues relating to the cost of living and the effects of inflation and higher energy costs have been felt by many small and medium enterprises, including the postmasters. Global events continue to cause challenges in this regard.”
“As we will all agree, the post office and the postal network combined play a really important role in all of our lives. They play an important social role by providing invaluable support for some of the most vulnerable in society through the provision of social welfare payments, free postage to care homes and many other valuable services as well. They play an integral economic role in facilitating delivery from SMEs and other businesses to consumers, and they are now playing a role in the circular economy, with the growth of consumer-to-consumer services such as Vinted. However, the Government also recognises that there are challenges for both the network and postal services. Uncertainty regarding global trade is one of these challenges.”
“-----I often get called McMonagle or McGonagle but it is probably the first time that Dylan has been named McConalogue. I wish him the very best. We are very proud of him in Donegal. It is a wonderful achievement. I congratulate him and look forward to recognising his achievements at an appropriate time. I also wish him well as he heads to Japan. I know from previous engagements the importance that all Seanadóirí place on the post office network nationally. That is reflected here again today by providing this opportunity for statements. I am sitting beside Senator Comyn and I see on the table in front of her a letter with a stamp on it, which is good to see. That is just happenstance and not deliberate, I believe. I look forward to hearing the comments and contributions from the floor.”
“I thank the Acting Chair and all in the Seanad for the opportunity to discuss how we can continue to support what is a really important and valuable resource for every community across the country, that is, the post office network and the postal service, which is organised by and under the administration of An Post. At the outset, I join with the Acting Chair and recognise the commendations by Senators of Dylan Browne McMonagle. As the name of McConalogue is known even less than McMonagle-----”
“This is a big step forward. It has been welcomed as such by the FAI, and we look forward to working with the FAI and through the auspices of Sport Ireland to make sure that this makes a real impact on the ground and that we see it really deliver in the future and feed through not just at grassroots level but right to our national teams, including at under-17 level, with the match that team will play today. We hope to see much more of that in the future and right through, ultimately, to the senior national teams as well.”
“The point I made on budget day was that this is a big vote of confidence by the Irish Government in the future of Irish football. We want to see it supported and we want to see it growing. We want to see young people across the country get the opportunities they deserve to maximise their potential. Participation is obviously crucial, everyone having the opportunity to participate, be healthy and enjoy football as they do every other sport, but we also want to ensure that that excellence is fostered and that people can be the best players they possibly can be. In particular, we want to see that feed the wonderful renaissance we have seen in the League of Ireland, which we want to support as a Government both through capital funding for the development of facilities and through the grassroots and the academy system.”
“Senator Andrews will know as well as I do that, across all sectors of society, and with the organisations we deal with and the demands in terms of public services, the asks are always far more every year than the capacity to develop. In terms of running a good economy, we have to have the capacity to incrementally improve things every year. The Government commitment to football in this budget saw football as the sport that was prioritised by far the most within the increase in budgetary allocation. For example, €10 million extra was allocated to Sport Ireland this year. Some €3 million of that is for soccer academies. That cannot be the case every year in terms of one sport getting such a big increase but it has been the case this year. It is a multi-annual commitment and it is something we will look to build on.”
“Considerable financial support has been provided by the State for the development of football in Ireland, particularly through the 2020-23 memorandum of understanding, which was also updated at the end of last year, when a new memorandum was signed with €6 million per annum in funding for the period from 2024 to 2027, with the majority of that going towards the FAI's youth field sports grants. Those grants are aimed at developing the grassroots of the game, improving coaching and playing standards, growing participation numbers and embracing communities outside of the traditional base of the sport.”
“Under the large-scale sport infrastructure fund, €54 million was allocated in November of last year to football stadium projects at Finn Harps, Dalymount Park, Sligo Rovers and Wexford FC. I am pleased to note the recent approval by Dublin City Council of a financing proposal that should allow construction of a new Dalymount stadium to begin in 2027. In addition, we have seen €50 million allocated from the community sports and equipment fund last year to develop grassroots club facilities nationwide.”
“While the FAI has sought significant State funding to support its academy development plans, it is important to note the sizeable financial support directed to the FAI and to football more generally over the past few years. We have seen some €75 million in State funding allocated to the FAI between 2019 and 2024, including €30 million specifically to support football development and aimed at promoting participation in football by young people, with the balance of funding comprising Covid-specific and energy supports to the FAI and the wider football sector. In terms of State support for the development of facilities, more than €100 million in capital funding was allocated to Irish football in the second half of 2024.”
“As part of budget 2026, I was pleased to announce a €3 million multi-annual allocation to the FAI to support the development of a modern and professional academy system that will provide the structures and pathways required to support future generations of Irish players, male and female, and maximise the potential of Irish football. Specific details as to how this investment will be rolled out will be set out in due course by the FAI and Sport Ireland. The development of football is fundamentally a matter for the FAI, which, like all governing bodies of sport, is an independent, autonomous body that is responsible for the organisation and development of its own sport.”
“The grant has also enabled the FAI to produce its League of Ireland global findings report, by the internationally recognised Double Pass football consultancy, on developing football academies in Ireland, including an audit of existing academy structures and needs. The report outlines 50 recommendations which, if implemented in the coming years, could create a strong academy system that would underpin a sustainable domestic football league and, ultimately, strengthen the quality of players coming through to the national teams.”
“It is good to be here today, particularly on the back of the recent budget commitment from the Government to the development of Irish football, young footballers and, in particular, an academy system. The programme for Government includes a commitment to explore new mechanisms for the creation of football academies with the Football Association of Ireland and the League of Ireland. An important piece of work in this context is supported by an additional funding grant by the Department of €1 million to the FAI last year. That funding enabled the FAI to appoint an academies administrator to support the development of new academy programmes and to track their impact.”
“I thank Senator Andrews for raising this matter. The Irish under-17 team are appearing in their first U-17 World Cup match in Qatar today, against Panama. I wish them well in the match. It is good to see that it will be shown live on RTÉ 2. Likewise - and, being from Donegal, I can be more neutral than Senator Andrews - I wish Shamrock Rovers and Cork well in what I hope will be a really good showcase for League of Ireland football in the FAI Cup final this Sunday. I was glad to attend the FAI Women's Cup final Sunday week last in Tallaght Stadium. It was a really good game of football between Bohs and Athlone Town, and congratulations to Athlone Town on a well-deserved win.”
“I will keep a very close eye on how the project develops to make sure that if it does move, decisions are taken and the process is stepped out so that funding can be availed of and drawn down for the purpose for which it was awarded.”
“My objective, as Minister of State, is to work to try to make sure that the funds that have been awarded move forward by looking and assessing each of the projects intensively and monitoring them very closely to make sure they are held to account before moving forward. We are seeing movement now on this. As long as the objectives for the centre of excellence and the facilities that were initially intended in relation to the funding grant can be accommodated and are held true to in moving to a different site, we would be very much open to facilitating that and seeing the funding delivered for the benefit of football in the wider Cork area. This project could deliver a very significant benefit. I know the Deputy understands that and realises its potential. We need to see it moving on.”
“I thank the Deputy for his advocacy in wanting to see this important project moved forward. There will come a point, because these will not be kept open forever. We need to make sure these projects get a move on. The Department has been tolerant to those awarded, but our objective at the moment is to try to make sure they are all moving. If they do not move, we will intervene and look to see how other projects will be able to move instead. I have given the House an update around the current status with regard to the potential for a new site for the Munster centre of excellence and the fact the FAI is updating its board at the next meeting. This is a new funding stream The large-scale sports infrastructure fund did not exist prior to the first funding round in 2020 followed by the second round in 2024.”
“Over €75 million in State funding was allocated to the FAI between 2019 and 2024, including €30.2 million specifically to support football development and aimed at promoting participation in football by young people, with the balance in funding comprising Covid-specific and energy supports to the FAI and the wider football sector.”
“Subject to board approval, the FAI intends to seek my Department’s support in transferring the original LSSIF grant to the newly proposed location. The FAI will submit a business case to the Department outlining the revised project location, scope and partnership arrangements for consideration. As negotiations are ongoing, further details cannot be disclosed at this time. As I have previously stated, my Department remains open to considering a request to repurpose the original grant, provided the revised proposal continues to meet the overarching objectives of the original project. Any amended submission from the FAI must comply with the established LSSIF guidelines and be supported by appropriate due diligence. It is important to note the sizable financial support given to the FAI and to football more generally over the past few years.”
“Once legal formalities between the FAI, the council and Riverstown FC are concluded - and I understand that they are nearing completion - Riverstown FC plans to develop the site into a multisport facility for the local community with the intention of incorporating additional amenities to further support community needs. In relation to a new location for the Munster centre of excellence, the FAI has been providing ongoing updates to my officials. On 16 October 2025, my Department formally wrote to the FAI seeking a detailed update, which was received today. The FAI has confirmed that negotiations are actively progressing, with discussions at an advanced stage, regarding a potential new site for the centre. The FAI plans to present the proposed site and project details to its board at the next scheduled meeting at the end of this month.”
“The FAI wrote to the Department on 10 May 2023 stating that it no longer intended to proceed with the LSSIF-funded centre of excellence in Glanmire. According to the FAL the decision not to proceed with the proposal was due to the fact that the original proposal no longer represented the greatest return on investment for the parties involved. Regarding the Glanmire site originally designated for the Munster centre of excellence, Cork County Council, which holds the title, are currently in negotiations with Riverstown FC in relation to a sublease. The FAI currently holds a lease on the site.”
“Through that fund, over €250 million euro was allocated to 3,000 community sports facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the fund. A total of €297 million has been invested through the LSSIF across 68 projects. The 2018 round allocated €124 million to 33 projects, of which this is one, including top-ups in 2023. In November 2024, €173 million was allocated to 35 projects following record demand on that occasion. To deal with the specific award raised by the Deputy, my Department provided a provisional allocation of just over €2.025 million for the Munster centre of excellence under the first round of the LSSIF in 2020. The proposal involved the development of grass pitches, an AstroTurf facility, floodlighting and dressing rooms.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. Government investment in sport is essential to increasing participation levels in all sports, across all sectors of society. The allocation for the sports programme in budget 2026 is over €290 million, an increase of just under €60 million or 26%, compared to last year's allocation. When the national sports policy was published in 2018, it set a commitment to double investment in sport to more than €220 million by 2027, so I am pleased that we have well exceeded that commitment already. My Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the community sports facilities fund and the large-scale sport infrastructure fund, which we are discussing in relation to one particular awardee this evening.”
“We need resolutions for Elm Park and the houses that are currently built on a flood plain. We need to see the review of the standards by the National Standards Authority completed. It is also taking too long and it is really important we have that and that it concludes and leads to certainty around the mortgageability of all properties. On the downgraded homes, that is related to the National Standards Authority but also the appeals issue. That has also been too slow in getting up and running. On the payment timelines coming from Donegal County Council, where the majority of affected homes in the country are under construction, it is working to make sure those issues are resolved. I will continue to work in every way possible to resolve the outstanding issues, as I have to get it to where it is today.”
“Part of the frustration that has added to the challenges families have faced with this at all times have been the delays with moving it on. There were delays with the legislation in the first place, which took time and more time than it should have taken. It is important that the outstanding issues are all dealt with and resolved. Some of those are taking too much time as well. We need to see the 10% increase applied. I fought hard at Cabinet more than a year ago to make sure the decision to do it was made. That needs to be implemented in legislation right away. In terms of the capacity to build on a different footprint from where the original house was in certain circumstances, that needs to be implemented in that legislation too. The social housing scheme has also been delayed for too long. That needs to get up and running.”