For decades, the residents of Oliver Bond House have lived in some of the most appalling conditions in our city. Decades of neglect have left these families living in damp, overcrowded, rat-infested homes. In April, the Department of housing wrote to Dublin City Council refusing a funding request to deep retrofit and amalgamate 74 homes in the flat complex. The rationale was that the council's proposal would see a reduction in the number of flats. The Department set out an alternative approach and requested that the council submit a new proposal. Today, it is revealed that the Department's proposal would result in an even greater reduction in the number of people living in these blocks, with a bed space reduction of 41% compared with the council’s proposal of just 26%. In light of this significant development, will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for housing to revisit his decision? Dublin City Council's plan is the best proposal to bring these homes up to modern standards while retaining the right number, size and mix of homes for singles, couples and families.

At the outset, I welcome and congratulate three students from Mullaghbuoy National School and the green committee there. Donal McMorland, Jason Woods and Jack O'Neill were the regional winners of the award for global citizenship today in Tullamore. They are very welcome to Dáil Éireann.

The Minister, Deputy Browne, did not make that decision, but there was a communication from Department officials to Dublin City Council in respect of the matter. The Minister will engage. He is of the view that this matter can be resolved satisfactorily. Funding has not been refused. Funding has not been withdrawn. It remains in place. There has not been a refusal of regeneration for Oliver Bond House. Engagement is going to be key here. Hopefully, we can get this resolved very quickly.