Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)

The Deputy is correct. When I inquired about this Bill three years ago and asked when it would come before the Dáil, I also queried the position of tenants in flats, maisonettes or apartments and if they would be entitled to buy out their apartments. There were many queries about this and I was assured the issue would be part of the Bill. I do not see it in the current Bill so I hope the Minister will introduce amendments to deal with the matter or accept amendments put down by the Opposition in this regard to allow tenants of maisonettes, apartments or flats to purchase them.

I do not see why this could not be included in the Bill as it would give a sense of ownership to people who wish to buy out their properties. Perhaps not everyone would want this but a sense of ownership could be given to those who want to buy out their homes. It would give more responsibility to such people for the necessary upkeep and repair of the properties, which some people would relish.

I also wish to speak on the many schemes that are now under funded, such as the housing aid for the elderly scheme. In Galway city, there was only enough money to pay out to people who were in need of repairs under this scheme and other related schemes such as the disabled person's grant up until last December. This means that many householders throughout the city and county who had participated in the scheme, been approved for grants, hired contractors, got work done and borrowed money to build a downstairs bathroom or a shower for an elderly relative, for example, have not received grants. This is despite their having borrowed for this purpose, which is a scandal.

I am very sorry but not surprised that very few Government Deputies have offered to speak on this Bill. The Government has squandered the finances of this State over the past ten years, although it blames the problem on the global economy and everything else. It should take responsibility for what it has done because the people on the front line are now suffering as a result of the policies of this Government. It is not that policies failed but that policies were successful in running us into the state we are in now.

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