I refer to a commitment made by Government at this time last year. It said that it would provide local authorities with the discretion to develop housing projects to the value of €6 million in their own jurisdictions without Government pre-approval, an increase from €2 million. This would speed matters up and allay the current four-stage approval process, which hamstrings local authorities and, indeed, the Government in their efforts to meet the demands of the housing crisis. It is a breach of faith that this measure has not been taken to date. What measures will be taken in the near future to ensure it happens forthwith?

Such a measure would not speed up delivery. This year, local authorities will achieve and exceed their targets to deliver more than 10,000 new social houses into the system. This is way beyond the targets set with them over recent years. With regard to the specific requirement discussed during budget negotiations last year, we are still in discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and other Departments. To be very clear, in all our meetings with local authorities - which I meet every week - and at all our housing summits, we do not see any demand among local authorities to change the system.

I beg to differ.

The previous scheme was not overly used and was not needed. This will not necessarily speed up delivery. In fact, we have changed the rules in respect of delivery and most local authorities are now achieving the target of 59 weeks.

The Government is not doing it then.

I did not say we were not doing it. I am saying it will not achieve what the Deputy claims it will achieve.

It was agreed. It is not the Minister of State's decision.

Yes, but the Deputy is the only one asking for it. I do not hear any local authorities asking for it.

I am sorry but it is not the Minister of State's decision.

The Deputy should not claim he is asking on their behalf.

Six Deputies were not reached; I apologise to them.