Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

I was somewhat taken aback with the Minister of State's response. Deputy Ciarán Lynch made a clear point and the remarks of the Minister of State have clarified a good deal. People do not seek charity, they seek justice. We spent the past week in the Chamber discussing justice and the case of people who had been let down by society, but we are here again doing exactly the same thing. We are letting down a certain sector of people because they live in a certain place and they have been classed as a certain kind of citizen. This is wrong and it is unjust. People are not looking for anything else but just to be rewarded for being dedicated and loyal tenants to the State and to the councils around the country. They have put up with a lot of hassle and rubbish and untidy places down through the years. This is the Minister of State's opportunity because the ball is in his court. He has a real chance of making a bit of history here and he should grasp that opportunity with both hands this evening. This is probably one of the most important pieces of legislation to come before this House and if the Minister of State wants, he can do this and I know he will have the support of many people in his party. This is a small price to pay to allow people have an opportunity to buy their own homes.

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