Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 8 laid out three ways by which the money could be used. I do not understand the Minister of State's objection. We can argue about whether we are investing enough in housing provision. The Minister of State says we are, but I say we are not. By refusing to include in legislation that the money could be used to deal with a housing crisis, we are cutting off that option next year, the following year and the year after that. It is not just a matter of the here and now. The Minister of State is of the opinion that enough is being invested. I disagree, but by not allowing the amendments to be included in the Bill, we are cutting off the option forever and restricting ourselves to the three circumstances outlined, which is not prudent.