Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

While I share some of the concerns expressed, the Minister provided an opportunity for a limited briefing last evening to the relevant spokespersons and that was attended by representatives of Fine Gael and Sinn Féin. We have the Bill this morning and we must be realistic while pointing out what is necessary.

Unless this issue is addressed as a matter of urgency, further problems will arise. I am prepared to acknowledge that and accept it on the basis of the briefing that my colleague, Deputy Morgan, received from the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment last evening, with the promise of further elaboration this morning. That is part of the reality and we must deal with that.

The important message that must be delivered from this, however, is that there is a fundamental issue that must be grappled with and not in the piecemeal, reactive manner of the Government's approach to specific aspects that may present because of litigation. We need preparedness on the part of the Government to address the ground rent issue holistically and in the round, and for it to have the courage to do so. Only in that way will every element be addressed rather than chipping around it and being afraid to get into the kernel of the issue.

We do not intend to oppose the Government proposition on the basis of the information that was shared with Deputy Hogan and Deputy Morgan last evening and the opportunity that was provided to other Opposition spokespersons had they been available. Understanding the reality, I am using this opportunity to appeal to Government to grasp the nettle on the issue of ground rent. This has been part of the promised programme of legislation since the Government entered office in 1997. It should learn the lesson of the embarrassment of these reactive, emergency legislative approaches in recent weeks and commit itself to fulfil its electoral promises to the electorate eight years ago. The Government will find a universal welcome for this. While some may be disappointed, the majority will welcome that courage being translated into real action on the Government's part. The Government must deal with the ground rents issue.

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