Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister used the word "immediate" at least once in his response. He used the word "urgent" several times. I do not doubt his commitment to this or his bona fides on it but, based on the delays to date, I doubt the Government’s ability to deliver it in a timely manner. People have waited long enough. Will the Minister put this on the agenda of the Cabinet next week in order that he can come back to me and Deputy Canney with a timeframe for when a new scheme will be put in place? The announcement of the budget will probably be drip-fed during the summer, if not by the Minister then by some of his ministerial colleagues who will be consumed with wishful thinking. We need to make sure this is dealt with in the next budget. If a new scheme cannot be put in place in a timely manner even though everyone accepts it would be the ideal solution, the Minister should change the budgetary measures that were brought in by the previous Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, and allow for a more open scheme. We need a time commitment on this.

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