Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the affordable housing initiative, Part V has always been taken with the lands and social partnership. On the broad area of social partnership, this year 3,000 affordable units are projected under various affordable schemes, but in the social partnership context, Part V was taken with the housing initiative.

On the Deputy's question regarding the other schemes not being taken in, I agree with the Deputy in that other schemes should not be taken in. This year we will spend more than €2 billion on housing measures, which is double the expenditure of five years ago. We have long believed there is a broad spectrum of need in the housing sector and that this need must be addressed in a multifaceted way. We have focused on expanding the provision of social and affordable housing and this year approximately €2 billion will be spent on the needs of people. The needs of approximately 13,000 households will be met through the combination of these measures, which is a different matter from Part V and social and affordable housing.

Thankfully we have the highest minimum wage in Europe. As happens during any year when people get either incremental salary increases or increases as a result of pay rounds, people will move up the structure and into the tax net. In his next budget I am sure the Minister for Finance will consider the provision of changes for minimum wage earners regarding taxes. That is an issue for the budget next December.

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