Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the amendment. When people arrive at the offices of the local authority, they are often in a state of crisis and require urgent solutions, some of which may not be forthcoming. As a public representative, I have found myself taking time to explain the scheme of letting priorities when I thought this would be automatic on meeting the local authority. I cannot recall one set of circumstances where this information was provided for the prospective tenants. The information makes them believe the system can operate in a fair manner. Some of this is related to the availability of staff in local authorities and the time pressure they are under. At such a time, having someone who is trusted to take the time to explain something would be good. I include advocates associated with the Citizens Information Service who are designated to deal on behalf of people with disabilities. They are often available, but people do not trigger the advocacy service when it is available to them and it should be brought to their attention.

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