Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach's answer is very unsatisfactory. It lacks clarity and is somewhat confusing in its presentation. According to the Central Bank, the facts are we have 40% fewer first-time buyers receiving mortgages this year than last year. These are the facts. We cannot articulate that some auctioneer told us he was beginning to see some interest. Only 6,300 were able to secure mortgages in 2011. This is having a very serious impact on the economy. We know that the domestic economy remains flat and nothing that the Government has done in the budget or in recapitalising the banks has had an impact. We should look at the totality of issues-----

See this speech in context