Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I already answered Deputy O'Sullivan on the matter. I stated that the Department is proceeding with the legislation. I cannot give a date for that legislation. I do not accept the other point. There has been an enormous range of initiatives on affordable land allowing for affordable housing. What was achieved in the Supreme Court judgment on Part V three or four years ago has allowed significant changes to take place. I hope we can make further ground on this issue. If Deputy Rabbitte believes that on private property rights we would be able to go in and just force the price of land down in a way that goes against the market then there would be a challenge. It will not happen like that and that is the point the legal people make.

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