Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With the permission of the House, the question from Deputy Healy-Rae will be answered by the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, the question asked by Deputy Costello will be answered by the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman and Deputy Wynne's question will be dealt with by the Minister of State, Deputy Butler.

Regarding the questions put to me, I assure the Deputy that whatever the Minister, Deputy Foley, waves at me, it is not the white flag. She is always making the case for more services and supports for the children the Deputy referred to. The plan she outlined today will take time to implement. We need more drivers and mechanics and we gradually need to fund the system better. Like the Deputy and many Government TDs, the Minister wants to see the scheme improved. I will do my best to provide additional funding, but I have every other Minister also making a case for funding he or she will need in the time ahead. However, I am sure the Deputy will see improvements within the scheme.

Regarding Deputy Farrell’s question, that is the reason we are making such efforts to ensure more homes are built and available to rent or buy. I would respectfully make the case that her own party’s policy is one of saying that no rent increases will be possible. While I know that is popular and attractive, it is one that will ultimately lead to less rental accommodation being available, making it even more difficult for that person to return from Australia.

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