Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I have given my views on this issue many times and Deputy Higgins knows exactly what those views are. We await publication of the all-party committee's report, which I understand is due in a few months. The process has not been under way for seven years. The committee started its work about 16 or 17 months ago. The Kenny report was produced about 30 years ago. More houses have been built, by and large, for young people and starters in the past five years than in the previous 25 years. The Deputy's argument in this regard, therefore, does not stand up. Issues relating to land continue to exist. Deputy Higgins is aware that constitutional referenda are not held for the fun of it — one has to bring forward proposals that can be passed by the people. Many people involved with property such as houses and land have concerns about these issues. There is nothing near public support for wholesale changes in this regard, as is clear from the statements of many organisations. We need to consider whether this should be framed constitutionally or legislatively. There are clear questions about the price and availability of land here compared with other countries, and that has an effect on house prices. We should endeavour as best we can to do something about that.

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