Go raibh maith agat.

I thank Senator Mullen. I ask the Deputy Leader to respond.

I thank the Minister of State for coming to answer my question. I know he is not directly involved in the Department so I thank him for taking it on behalf of the Department. My question relates to the tenant in situ scheme and the continuation of this worthwhile programme. It has worked in many cases; however, I sat in two houses during the week in which people had received notification that they had to go because the landlord was selling the property. I have also sat in houses in which the landlord was successful…

I welcome the fact the Government is committed to continuing the tenant in situ programme but a number of people have to be out of their home in mid-March. At the moment, the local authority is telling them it does not know if it can purchase it because it does not have the funding. If the Minister of State can bring back one key message, it is that the Department needs to decide as quickly as possible how much money it will give to each local authority. There is a huge fear factor out there. I spoke to one lady wh…

Go raibh maith agat, Senator.

Thank you, Senator.

Thank you, Senator.

Senator Higgins, allow the Minister of State.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Browne, to the Chamber.

I understand that Senators Pauline Tully and Maria McCormack are sharing time. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I call Senator McCormack, I welcome Leo Farrell, who is in the Public Gallery with Senator O'Donovan. He is a transition year student from Skibbereen who is on work experience.

Next is Senator Noonan, whom I understand is sharing time with Senator Cosgrove.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins, who is a former Member of this House. I look forward to engaging with him in his role.

I thank Senator Ahearn. The matter is one on which I believe he has unanimous support in the Chamber.

The Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, is very welcome.

Before I call the Minister of State to respond, I welcome the transition year students who are here with the Office of the Ombudsman. They are very welcome.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, to the House to discuss the all-important issue of community safety. He has ten minutes to make his opening statement.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome Deputy Shay Brennan and Councillor Fiona Murray to the Visitors Gallery today. I hope they enjoy their visit to the Houses of the Oireachtas.