Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 9, line 11, to delete "may" and substitute "shall".

This amendment is intended to replace the word "may" in the section with the word "shall". This would place a legal obligation on housing authorities to provide housing services which would significantly strengthen the legal obligations provided for in section 20, on which I have tabled amendments. Section 20 provides for the range of services which housing authorities will provide. Some of us argued for a constitutional right to housing which would be elevated above legislation. While it would not go so far, it is important to place, within this legislation, a more onerous requirement on housing authorities to provide this type of service. Will the Minister consider accepting this amendment?