The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Kelly, has belatedly made some broad announcements in recent times about how he proposes to deal with the issues facing people who are homeless and people in private rented accommodation whose rents are escalating. He has said that people should approach the Private Residential Tenancies Board in cases of disputes or disagreements between landlords and tenants, but I remind the House that the number of staff employed by the board has decreased by almost 50%. Given that an avalanche of people will approach the Private Residential Tenancies Board as a result of the stated policy of the Minister, Deputy Kelly, would it not be appropriate at this stage to increase the number of staff working in the board, which is grossly understaffed by any stretch of the imagination? Perhaps that issue can be addressed in the short term. Will legislation be required to fast-track planning for the modular units that are being proposed to deal with the housing crisis and the homelessness on our streets? The stated policy of the Minister is that the units in question will be in place in advance of Christmas.

Does this morning's launch of the patient advocacy service by the Minister for Health mean that the proposal in the programme for Government to establish a patient safety authority has been abandoned?

The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, has gone again.

He is coming back.

Deputy Kelleher asked about the Private Residential Tenancies Board. I understand that there are a number of amendments to come forward.

He is back.

I might as well do another Question Time.

The Minister and the Tánaiste are keeping an eye on each other.

The Deputy also asked about the need for planning legislation in respect of modular housing. A number of applications have been received from a number of local authorities.

The Minister was about to do a school visit in Castleknock or Mulhuddart.

Lovely constituency teamwork.

I am not aware of any fresh legislative requirement in that regard. I hope I have understood Deputy Kelleher's question properly.

The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, cannot write fast enough for the Tánaiste.

I am informed that the establishment of a national patient safety office in the Department of Health will not require specific legislation. I believe the Minister for Health was on the radio this morning.

The Tánaiste and the Minister should travel in together every morning so that they can have a chat.

A car pool would be a good idea.

As I understand it, work is under way as we speak.