John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Before I take the next two questions, the Minister mentioned that the VAT element had an annual cost of €200 million. That is in a no change scenario. Obviously, if output increases, it could be cost neutral or the Exchequer could benefit. We need to bear that in mind.

The Minister also commented that he wanted to put money in the pocket of the purchaser. The committee is looking at this slightly differently as we are trying to bring the cost of houses down to enable people to meet the Central Bank guidelines. This is the balancing act. The cost of homes is beyond the reach of many people under these guidelines. That is the way we are looking at it.