I rise in utter frustration. I have to raise the fact that as an elected public representative, I am experiencing too many serious issues with the leadership of Clare County Council, namely, the leadership of the social directorate with responsibility for housing. For a number of months, I have requested a meeting to discuss various issues in respect of housing or lack thereof. It has not been facilitated to date and, instead, I am either told "No" or given a staff member who is not the head of services. Recently, I had to request the assistance of the Minister on a specific case regarding an issue and that did not deliver better engagement on the matter. There seems to be little respect for the mandate, and it is extremely concerning. I have constituents in distress and the council smugly thinks that overstaying is an answer. I call on the Taoiseach to investigate these serious matters.

I am sorry to hear about the experiences the Deputy is having with Clare County Council. The council and its executives are not accountable to me. They are accountable to the elected members of Clare County Council but I will certainly let the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, know that the matter was raised and perhaps he will have some suggestions as to how it can be brought forward.