Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

To deal with such a diverse range of issues in two minutes is a bit of an ask. NABCO is an important housing association but how does one become a member of the Better Europe Alliance?

Two of the questions I wanted to ask have been touched upon. Mr. Ginnell referred to structural flaws in housing. Would he agree that there are more than just flaws in the system? Is it not just that Ireland operates a ridiculous system of encouraging individuals, from gardaí to nurses, carpenters and plumbers to electricians, to buy a house and rent it on? This system seems to be unique in Europe and is an absolute disaster. Senator Hayden asked about rent certainty. Unless we can get rent certainty to prevent private sector landlords asking what they like at any time they wish we will continue to contribute to the housing crisis.

I disagree slightly with the comments on primary health care. In Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot in my constituency there are the most fantastic primary health care centres, such as St. Michael's Estate and Thomas Street. We are developing another on Curlew Road in the heart of Drimnagh and one on St. Agnes Road in the heart of Crumlin. These primary health care centres are unspeakably wonderful, modern, patient-friendly centres so would Mr. Ginnell not agree that we are making positive moves in that area?

We are doing the best we can, given the economic uplift, in having a Low Pay Commission. We have made structural changes there and since the REAs were deemed unconstitutional we have brought a new basic rate for approximately 50,000 workers in very low paid industries such as security and cleaners.

This is a very important report and there is a complex range of issues to discuss. Each of the bullet points would take a day to debate in depth so perhaps Mr. Ginnell can comment broadly on the issues I have raised.