In recent years, I have raised the issue of local needs requirements in the context of the planning process. There are currently families living in wee villages but it is impossible for them to get planning permission to build in the countryside. I have raised this matter with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government many times. In all counties, there are large numbers of people on housing waiting lists. We have an opportunity to get people out of towns in order that they can live in rural Ireland. Currently, we are breaking European law. I have asked the Minister about this on many occasions and tonight he will face a confidence vote. People are asking why so many citizens are on council housing lists. Will the Minister please do something, once and for all, to sort out the problem of local needs requirements?

I thank the Deputy for the question. The number of people on social housing lists has decreased by approximately 20,000 since Rebuilding Ireland began because we are providing more housing for people.

They have all transferred to the housing assistance payment.

The Deputy spoke about a particular way of combating further delays on the housing lists. We still operate to the 2005 guidelines. We are involved with the Commission in updating those guidelines in light of rulings that have come from there. Local authorities must work to existing planning guidelines and there is also the national planning framework. The position has not changed but as soon as we have clarity from the Commission we will be able to bring forward new guidelines.

We have exceeded the time for the Order of Business but today was exceptional. I have a list and I must give other Deputies an opportunity to contribute tomorrow. I remind Members that this is about the Order of Business and not constituency questions.