Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for the presentation. I agree with Mr. O'Leary and with Dr. Michelle Norris, who was quoted in The Irish Times as saying we should seek permission to extend Government borrowing to finance social housing.

I have already asked the Minister, Deputy Michael Noonan, at this committee whether he will push for greater flexibility at European level in EU fiscal rules to support long-term investment programmes, with social housing being a top priority. He informed me that he had already "pushed very hard" and that "we do not meet the criteria for applying, particularly in light of the economic cycle and other factors". Is Mr. O'Leary aware that the Government has pushed hard for this and what is his view on the assertion that we do not meet the criteria? Will he outline whether he believes we do meet the criteria and what exactly are they?