Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 October 2009
179 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals for modernising the landlord and tenant contact that will be included in the Housing Bill 2008 which will strengthen the position of tenants of approved housing bodies. [35059/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides for a new scheme of incremental purchase, which will, among other things, enable approved housing bodies to sell new dwellings provided for the purposes of the scheme to tenants at a substantial discount. This Part of the Act will be brought into operation in the coming months.
In September 2009, my Department published, for consultation purposes, a consultancy report on a strategic review of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector, which will inform future policy with regard to funding arrangements and governance for the sector, including tenure and related matters.
180 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to hold an election in 2010 for a directly elected mayor; the legislation he is preparing to introduce this new position; when he expects to introduce this legislation into the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35074/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra181 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the effect the imminent creation of a national transport regulator, which will take over from the Dublin Transport Authority, will have on his plans for the proposed directly elected mayor of Dublin to chair the Dublin Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35075/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
My Department is currently drafting the necessary legislation to give effect to the Government's decision to introduce a Mayor of Dublin. Given my intention to hold mayoral elections next year it will be necessary to have the relevant legislation in place well in advance, and I will be bringing my proposals in this regard to Government in the coming weeks.
My Department is in ongoing contact with the Department of Transport concerning the Mayor's transport functions in Dublin in light of the legislation to change the Dublin Transport Authority into a National Transport Authority; final arrangements will be contained in the legislation on the Dublin Mayor.
