Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

That is precisely why this issue should be pursued more vigorously than heretofore. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government today produced figures indicating that 19,000 houses are vacant and a further 17,000 are at various stages of construction. That oversupply must be tackled vigorously and immediately in order to seek the dividend which could be demanded of NAMA for the State. Such an approach would afford the Minister the leverage she needs to honour the commitments she and her party have given.

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