Cabinet committee to discuss appointment of housing czar | Breaking News & Latest Ireland Updates

Cabinet committee to discuss appointment of housing czar — Political Correspondent The Cabinet Housing Committee will discuss who might lead the newly-established Housing Activation Office. The office is aimin...

Political Correspondent

The Cabinet Housing Committee will discuss who might lead the newly-established Housing Activation Office.

The office is aiming to remove barriers to the delivery of homes across the country.

The unit will have a focus on working with local authorities, builders and utility providers to get homes built quicker.

However, the political focus has mainly been on who will lead the new office.

NAMA boss Brendan McDonagh is Minister for Housing James Browne's preferred candidate for the role.

However Mr McDonagh's salary of €430,000, which he would retain if he was chosen for the post, has been the subject of political controversy.

It has generated unease among some TDs in the Government parties too and the appointment is no longer viewed as politically straightforward.

While agreement on the matter could be reached, it is by no means guaranteed.

Read more:What is the Housing Activation Office and who will lead it?Taoiseach and Hearne clash over housing czar