We keep on hearing of the need to be innovative in the face of housing challenges, yet there is clearly a lack of willingness by State bodies to embrace innovation that is already out there.

We have the solution. We just need to get on with it.

Thank you.

Innovation is not just about invention; it is about approaching old problems with fresh eyes. Today, on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people across Ireland who are still searching for a home, I ask the Government to seriously consider the proposals I have put forward. We need to enable developers to provide wastewater infrastructure for housing developments that are currently stalled due to the lack of such essential services. I call on the Government to bring Uisce Éireann, developers, local councils and …

The recent storm highlighted the risk to our electrical and utility infrastructure, most obviously within our rural communities, often to our most vulnerable. We have heard calls for electric and fibre broadband cables to be buried underground. There may be merit in undertaking that as a long-term objective in some cases. However, I argue that there is a much simpler and more cost-effective solution. What I propose would have a significant impact on the resilience of a large portion of our power and communications …

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, for his response. I welcome the meeting held with the ESB and I hope action will be taken sooner rather than later. There is also a serious issue as regards Internet connections and phone lines. I hope further consultation will take place with National Broadband Ireland and Eir because I am aware of businesses and residents in certain parts of my county and the west where phone lines and Internet services are still out. That is not good enough in this day and…