Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

What does the Deputy mean by realistic levels? They must be financially sustainable. I introduced an initiative on one occasion and the first-time buyers were happier than they would have been if I had not introduced the initiative. There is always the question of the ultimate effect such an initiative will have on the housing market and it is a case of balance because there are arguments for and against. The suggestion that I should just keep raising the rates and every purchaser would automatically benefit is something that must be taken into account from bitter experience.

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