I rise to address two issues arising from recent debates at local authority level which point to deeper problems in how we approach governance and accountability. The first comes from Kerry County Council where councillors debated whether the State should collect data on the nationalities of those on social housing waiting lists. What is most striking here was not the proposal itself but the reaction to it. We heard claims that even asking for this data or discussing it would somehow fuel tensions or contribute to misinformation. That thinking is very flawed and dangerous. There is a culture of bodhaire Uí Laoghaire, or selective deafness, from much of Ireland’s political administrative class and an idea that if we pretend a problem does not exist, or even if we scold people for bringing it up, that this will somehow make it disappear. This is a direct example of our infamous culture of silence. The reality is simple: you cannot make good policy without good data. It is extraordinary that something so basic would need to be debated at all in a council chamber. This information should be collected as a matter of course. If the State does not even understand the full picture of its own housing system then how can it possibly make fair, informed and effective decisions?

The second issue relates to the Tánaiste’s recent comments on derelict property taxes where he accused local councils of having not done enough to collect them. He even went so far as to call them appalling and said it was a cause for central government to take over the matter. These comments are deeply unfair and hypocritical. Irish local government operates in one of the most centralised systems in Europe. Councils are tightly constrained with limited autonomy, restricted financial powers and a heavy reliance on central government for both legislation and resourcing. Yes, they have powers on paper but in reality those powers are slow, complex and in many cases ineffective, particularly under outdated legislation that makes enforcement difficult and prolonged. At the same time, these councils are expected to deliver more and more with limited resources and competing demands. To criticise them for failing to deliver outcomes in a system designed and controlled at central level is not accountability but a deflection. To then use that criticism as justification to take powers away from local government and centralise them further is simply cynical. If the system is not working, and clearly it is not, then the responsibility lies with those who lead it. The answer is not to sideline local authorities but to empower them properly, meaningfully and with the tools they need to do the job.

It is easy to point at derelict buildings but not so easy to account for a dereliction of leadership.

I must say the Acting Leader is doing a marvellous job. It can be difficult. I know he is temporarily there.

That is not going to help his chances.

I know, but that does not matter. I saw the Acting Leader coming in today, out of breath. He is doing a very good job and I want to acknowledge that.

I will not dent the Acting Leader's hopes any further by offering congratulations.

Do not say anything.

The Acting Leader is doing a good job, by the way.